Progress
Results on population are from January 1 each year.
Figure 2. Population pyramids for the whole of Iceland on January 1, 2023.
Age- and gender distribution in villages
Click here to view age- and gender distribution in villages from 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019.
Updated: November 8, 2023
Source: Statistics Iceland (2023).
Metrics, Targets and Monitoring Protocol
What is measured?
Gender and age structure in East Iceland compared to National population. (Project effect: induced).
Monitoring Protocol
Information from Statistics Iceland will be analyzed further by breaking it down according to age and sex in East Iceland. Information is sought from the Icelandic Regional Development Institute, or an employee will be assigned to gather the data. This information will be collected every five years.
Targets
Balanced age structure and sex ratio in East Iceland relative to national age distribution with a regression coefficient (r²) = 1.0
Possible countermeasures
Not applicable, monitoring only.
Changes of indicator
This indicator was initially number 1.1. It was then named Demographics in East Iceland and can be found under that number in the project documents from 2005 and 2006.
The indicator number has been changed twice.
| Year | Nr. | Indicator name |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.1.2 | Gender and age structure |
| 2007 | 1.11a | Demographics in Eastern Iceland |
Since data collection began for this indicator, municipalities have merged, and others have dropped out of calculations for East Iceland. In June 2021, those figures were updated according to new figures from Statistics Iceland, and the indicator was recalculated in its entirety.
Baseline
The Institute for Regional Development publishes data showing demographic trends in East Iceland (Central East Region) and Iceland. These offer persistently higher levels of outmigration from East Iceland, especially for young women. This has led to an unbalanced age structure and sex ratio in local communities. The proportion of women 20-34 years old and men 25-34 years old in East Iceland is lower than in Iceland. The ratio of children in East Iceland is also lower than the national average.
Figure 3. Age distribution of men and women in the Central East region and Iceland.
Revised: July 9, 2021
Source: Statistics Iceland (2021).
Rationale for Indicator Selection
Gender and age-balanced communities are an indicator of a stable society. The gender and age structure of many communities in East Iceland has been affected by the “pull” effect of economic growth and associated employment opportunities in the capital Region in and around Reykjavík.
From phase I/II report on indicators and baseline from April 2005
Further reading
1.1.2 - Kynja- og aldurssamsetning - Hrágögn 2022
Hrágögn fyrir mannfjölda á Austurlandi mv. Ísland 2003-2022
You can view more material related to the indicator by clicking on the link above.