It was exceptionally beautiful in Reykjavík today. One in every four residents of the capital who experienced the snow and the picturesque winter was born abroad. Nationwide, one in five residents—about 20%—is foreign-born. According to the latest OECD figures, Iceland shares the 8th and 9th spots with our Swedish neighbours for the highest percentage of immigrants. Luxembourg tops the list, with half of its population born outside the principality. Switzerland follows, with 31% of its population born abroad. Australia has 29%, New Zealand 27%, and Canada 22%. In 2023 alone, Canada welcomed 468,000 new immigrants—more than the entire population of Iceland. Austria and Ireland are just ahead of Iceland, each with 21% of their population born abroad. Denmark and Finland are at around 10%, while 17% of Norway’s population is foreign-born, the same percentage as in Germany and Spain. The lowest proportions, according to the OECD, are in Mexico, Japan, and Poland, with just about 1%.
Reykjavík, 03/01/2025 – A7R IV, RX1R II – FE 1.8/135mm GM, 2.0/35mm Z
Images & Text by: Páll Stefánsson
