In Focus
Little, strong Utsira – life in Norway’s smallest municipality
When a young Julie Faldt Faurholt moved from Denmark’s smallest municipality – the island of Læsø – she was determined she would never live in such a small place again. But the island she lives on now is far smaller. With 217 people, Utsira is Norway’s smallest municipality.
Rich in iron ore, poor in inhabitants
In Pajala in Northern Sweden, the local authority is grateful for the mine but also struggles to maintain and recruit workers.
Municipal Denmark to unite freedom and control
“Setting free” is the topic of the day in Danish municipal and national politics. It is seen as a possible key to delivering welfare services to citizens despite fewer resources and labour shortages. Helsingør municipality has had good experiences, but the upcoming local elections could throw a spanner in the works.
Finland's April elections a test for local power structure
Finland holds municipal elections in April. At the same time, there are council elections in 21 so-called wellbeing services counties. After the healthcare reform, they will be responsible for social and healthcare services. But interest in running as a candidate and in voting seems to be falling. Perhaps due to a worsening economy and reduced municipal powers. Or because elections have become too frequent.
Municipal Nordics face common challenges
Municipalities across the Nordic region are under pressure from ageing populations, labour shortages and rising costs. The challenge is to deliver quality services in line with residents' growing expectations, according to the Nordic municipal organisations.
Iceland’s municipalities slashed in half in 25 years
Many Icelandic municipalities have merged, particularly since they assumed responsibility for compulsory education in 1996. Although the number of municipalities has been halved since the start of the century, there are still more than ten that have fewer than 250 inhabitants, and some remain unwilling to merge.
The salmon millions keeping a small Norwegian island society alive
Millions of kroner from the fish farming sector contribute to the community and activities in Frøya – from carnival and language cafés to the downpayment of municipal debts. But with most eggs in one basket, the municipality is vulnerable.
Who will look after Sweden’s growing elderly population as birth rates fall?
Between 2013 and 2023, the number of people in Sweden aged 25 to 60 rose by 455,000. By 2033, that number is expected to grow by a further 13,000 people. There is a similar development in the rest of the Nordics and the EU, which for many municipalities means severe labour shortages.
How Nordic local authorities can create social sustainability
A new book from Kristin Reichborn-Kjenner describes how municipalities can create social sustainability in practice. “Sustainability is more than climate, Teslas and battery factories,” says the research professor from the Work Research Institute at OsloMet.
Gender equality barometer 2025
Gender equality in the top positions of power in the Nordic region in 2025 remains at a low level in NLJ’s gender equality barometer. Women get 68 points – 100 points mean full equality. But it would be even worse if Iceland did not for the first time in history elect both a female prime minister and a female president.
Iceland: Equality must be fought in every sector
In Iceland, women are now in a majority in the government coalition, and all three government party leaders are women. Many women also hold major public positions. In general, Iceland is considered one of the most gender-equal countries in the world. Yet despite the good progress, experts say that in many areas, Iceland is a long way from reaching equality.
Boyhood researcher: "We need to exercise our reading muscle"
There is still work to be done to make Finnish schools more gender equal. An ambitious gender equality programme is needed, believes the Finnish boyhood researcher Harry Lunabba. Both boys and girls would benefit from it. Falling PISA literacy scores can have long-term consequences for pupils.
Sweden: Gender gap widens in education, economically and politically
Women are significantly more represented in higher education, especially in rural areas - a trend that is repeated in all Nordic countries. It has given many women a better life with higher employment levels and wages. However, the development also shows that men are falling behind.
Nordic maritime sector sets sail towards greater gender equality
Men still dominate the maritime industry. In certain onboard professions, women are almost absent. Creating a secure working environment for everyone, regardless of gender, is crucial to make the industry more equal, argue the initiators of the Nordic REDO Lookout project.
Equality under pressure – how the Nordics are fighting back
More than 50 years after the cooperation on gender equality began, the Nordics are doubling down on the promise to ensure that the region will continue to lead the way in the fight for equality and inclusion.
Norwegian youths set up company to help other youths
Ungt entreprenørskap – a Norwegian entrepreneurship education programme – helps youths access the labour market. At the youth company RaskJobb, five 17-year-olds want to show that young people can and want to work.
Finland’s Minister of Cooperation: Put young people first in difficult times
A father of five children, young people and education are among Minister of Cooperation Anders Adlercreutz’s areas of expertise. These are also among the focus areas for the Nordic countries in the coming year.
Swedish Emilia got a job thanks to Youth Power 2.0
Despite a growing business sector, many young people were long-term unemployed in Åstorp in southern Sweden in the spring of 2024. Now, new job opportunities have been created through building relations with both private and municipal employers. The motto is: Everyone must get a chance.
Danish students turn entrepreneurs to make a difference
An increasing number of students at Aarhus University choose entrepreneurship to solve important social challenges. One of them is medical doctor Christina Gravgaard Andersen, who has set up her own company while studying.
Nordic youth on what is needed to give them faith in the future
Many young people in the Nordics have a dim view of the future. Some struggle with mental health, remain outside education and work, and many worry a lot about their own generation. The Nordic Labour Journal has asked what they think is needed to create a brighter future.
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