These graphs illustrate the size and composition of Nordic populations. Today the Nordics are facing similar challenges as the rest of Europe. The populations are ageing and those in paid work shoulder a larger burden to pay for welfare through taxes. This development may not be unmanageable for the Nordics since generous family policies have increased the fertility rate in the past and immigration has been greater than in the rest of Europe.

In most Nordic countries, fertility levels have declined in recent years, though regional variations exist. The decline has no single explanation, but factors such as postponing parenthood and financial uncertainty are often highlighted, despite comprehensive parental leave schemes and access to affordable, high-quality childcare.

In recent decades, women in the Nordic region have increasingly postponed having their first child. The average age at first birth has gradually risen, with men also becoming older when having their first child. This postponement is often linked to greater opportunities for education and career development, particularly for women.

The total abortion rate is defined as the number of legal abortions per 1,000 women. Induced legal abortions have been available in most Nordic countries for several decades. Overall, abortion rates in the Nordic region have remained relatively stable over time, with some regional differences.

The graph shows the number of induced abortions per 1 000 women for the age group 25-29 years. One can use the filter function customize the graph by other age groups.

Parents in the Nordic region are entitled to generous paid parental leave, although the details of the schemes vary between countries. Across the region, there are ongoing efforts to promote a more equal sharing of leave between mothers and fathers. Data typically reflect the number of days in which parental benefits are used per newborn.

Over time, fathers have gradually taken a growing share of parental leave. Shared leave is considered beneficial for both parents and for the child, who has a right to care from all parents. To support this, parts of the leave are earmarked specifically for each parent. Paternity leave has been extended over the years, and fathers now account for a substantial share of total leave in many Nordic countries.

Childcare in the Nordic region is widely accessible and subsidized. Almost all children between the ages of 3 and 5 are enrolled in some form of daycare institution, while the share of younger children is lower due to the comparatively long parental leave in the region. Access to affordable, high-quality childcare supports parents in combining work and family life and enables greater labour market participation, especially among mothers.

Women in the Nordic region live longer than men. Life expectancy at birth is defined as the average number of years a newborn can expect to live, based on current mortality patterns, and is often used as an indicator of population health. The gender gap in life expectancy consistently favors women, similar to the trend in the EU as a whole. Over time, the gap has narrowed, partly due to increased attention to men’s physical and mental health.

Women report more severe self-perceived limitations due to health problems than men in most Nordic countries. Such limitations can restrict opportunities for work and social life later in life. Differences between countries are also large, reflecting cultural factors in how limitations are perceived. 

The graph shows the age group 45-64 years by default. One can use the filter function to select the age group 65 years and older. 

The number of deaths caused by suicide and intentional self-harm is higher among men than among women. Although regional variations occur, the difference between the genders is both substantial and consistent over time.  

Women are more frequently absent from work due to illness or disability than men. Absence from work is generally compensated, although systems differ across countries. The higher absence among women can partly be explained by differences in working conditions and occupational gender segregation. In addition, women carry a greater share of unpaid housework and childcare, which also affects their participation in paid employment.

Educational attainment in the Nordic region has been rising over time. Women are now more likely than men to graduate from higher education. Overall, a significant share of both men and women completes some form of tertiary education, although the levels vary between countries.

Clear gender patterns exist in educational choices at the tertiary level. Women are over-represented in fields such as social sciences, journalism, information, health and welfare. While men tend to be over-represented in the fields of engineering, manufacturing and construction. These patterns contribute to occupational gender segregation in the labour market, as men and women often enter different sectors after graduation.

Please note that more educational fields can be found in the source matrix.

Employment levels in the Nordic region are generally high, with women’s participation rates close to those of men. The high employment rates for both genders are closely linked to the Nordic model, which combines subsidized childcare, education, generous parental leave, and supportive working conditions.

Women are more likely than men to work part-time in the Nordic countries. While the option of part-time work supports women’s labour market participation, it also affects their long-term economic position. The prevalence of part-time work is partly due to traditions in female-dominated sectors and the fact that women carry a larger share of unpaid care and household responsibilities. This contributes to inequalities in working hours and, ultimately, in lifetime earnings.

Despite high employment rates for both women and men, the Nordic labor markets remain highly gender-segregated. Women are primarily employed in female-dominated sectors such as care work, health, and education, while men are more often found in male-dominated sectors such as agriculture, construction, utilities, transport, and IT. This occupational segregation is a key factor in explaining the gender pay gap in the Nordic countries.

The gender pay gap in the Nordic countries has generally decreased over time, but women still earn less than men on average. The measurement reflects differences in average gross hourly earnings of male and female employees, as a percentage of average gross hourly earnings of male employees. Unequal pay is an important indicator of broader gender inequalities in society.

Many national parliaments in the Nordic countries have a relatively equal gender balance, which is generally defined as at least 40 percent representation of either sex. Despite this, men are generally elected more frequently than women. Equal political participation—from local councils to national leadership—is important for challenging gender stereotypes around power and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, can influence their own lives.

Women on boards of large publicly listed companies in the Nordic countries are approaching gender balance, generally defined as at least 40 percent representation of either sex. However, women remain underrepresented in board president positions.