“Every Fifth desk in a primary school is empty in the average school” Rasmus AroMDI expert, crystallized For YLE on Wednesday.
The number of children of primary school age will not return to the current level without a substantial increase in the birth rate. Statistics Finland reported in July that the number of live births in the first half of the year decreased by 1,082 from a year ago to 21,180, which is the lowest on record since 1900.
The Finnish population is increasingly concentrated in the largest urban areas, while cities outside universities and especially small and rural cities experience weak or very weak population development. Weather report by MDI.
The consultant estimates that the population will decrease rapidly, especially in South Savo (16.3%), Kainuu (15.1%), Kymenlaakso (11.6%), Satakunta (10.9%) and South Ostrobothnia (9.3%). In contrast, the population of the region is growing strongly in Uusimaa (16.9%), Åland (10.3%), Pirkanmaa (8.7%) and Northern Finland (7.0%). The only other growth areas are Ostrobothnia (0.9%) and North Ostrobothnia (0.7%).
Aro reminded the public broadcasting company that the development has followed the same general pattern since the 1990s, if not the 1970s.
Although immigration has been seen as a way to compensate for low birth rates, it is currently expected to mainly affect the development of large urban areas, while around three quarters of municipalities will have little effect.
“With the number of deaths greater than the number of births, immigration would have to be huge to compensate for the population decline,” Aro said.
According to him, Central Ostrobothnia is a microcosm of Finland. The population of the region is predicted to decrease by 15,000–20,000 people by 2040, as the traditionally high birth rate continues to decline rapidly and the lack of universities encourages young people to move especially to Pirkanmaa and Uudellemaa.
However, Seinäjoki, the largest city in Central Ostrobothnia, is a positive example.
“Seinäjoki is perhaps the best developing city without a university in the whole country. It has been very attractive in terms of internal migration and development has been strong relative to “cards” [it has been dealt]”, Aro said to YLE.
This year, immigration is contributing significantly to the city’s growth for the first time in years, thanks to international students and refugees from Ukraine. The growth of the immigrant population not only brings tax revenues but also challenges for the regional center, Erkki VälimäkiSeinäjoki’s business development director said YLE interview.
The lack of housing is currently the biggest concern.
“Organizing services such as early childhood education and basic education has been difficult because more groups and teachers would be needed. However, the equation is positive because we get more people, including those who work.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
Source: The Nordic Page