Activity in centre zones, 2008

Slightly more than 515 000 people (close to 11 per cent of the population) lived in centre zones in Norway on 1 January 2008. The centre zones have seen an increase in residents over the past years. From 2003 to 2008 the number of residents rose by 20 per cent while the urban settlement population rose by 6 per cent.

From 2003 to 2008, the number of residents increased more than size of the area, resulting in more residents per square kilometre centre zone. The number of employees and enterprises also increased in the period, but not as much as the area growth, leading to a net reduction in density. During the last year, however, the decrease in the centre zone area has resulted in increased density also with regard to employees per square kilometre.

High density of residents is an indicator of efficient land use utilisation as well as less energy-intensive transportation. On the other hand, high density of residents may indicate poor dwelling conditions, scarcity and growing pressure on green areas.

The density in centre zones increases with the size of the urban settlement. There are more employees than residents per square kilometre in all size groups. The density of employees has decreased in most size groups (2003 - 2008) because the area growth has been higher. Resident density has increased in the majority of size groups except the smallest urban settlements.

Tables:

• Table 1 Proportion businesses of centre type which are identified by exact location. Municipality. 2008 Per cent