The number of Icelandic residents of foreign nationality is now just under 7%, according to a new report from the Multicultural Centre.
RÚV reports that the data marks a turning point of sorts, as the number of foreign nationals in Iceland has not increased since 2008. It now stands at 6.7%.
8% of all children in Iceland up to and including the age of four are considered second-generation immigrants. Unsurprisingly, most immigrants in Iceland hail from Poland, comprising 3% of the population.
The regions with the highest percentage of foreigners are the Westfjords and Suðurnes, but in terms of sheer numbers, the largest immigrant population resides in the capital area.
Not all the news was good, though: Unemployment amongst Poles is around 15%, while they comprise about 56% of all those currently on the dole. The report also stated that one in three women who sought help from the Women’s Shelter were of foreign origin, and that funding for immigration matters has decreased since 2008, from about 21,000 ISK per immigrant to about 9,000 ISK today.
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