Norsjö, a municipality in Sweden, has been reported to experience the most significant population decline in the country percentage-wise, with a loss of 157 residents last year, reducing its total population to 3,811. The local councilor attributes this decline to factors such as a decrease in refugee intake, falling birth rates, and the adverse effects following the bankruptcy of the large battery factory in nearby Skellefteå, which has led to increased out-migration from Norsjö. Councilor Mikael Lindfors highlighted the interconnectedness of the job markets in the two municipalities, stating that negative trends in Skellefteå directly impact Norsjö's demographics.

In response to this concerning trend, Norsjö municipality is committed to achieving a target population of 5,000 by the year 2050. To address the challenges posed by the current decline, they are forming a working group that will include representatives from various political parties, local businesses, civil society, and municipal services. This group's goal is to analyze the situation and devise a concrete plan of action to reverse the population decline and promote growth in the community.

The establishment of this focus group reflects a proactive approach by Norsjö's local government to tackle demographic challenges head-on. As they seek to improve their population numbers, the outcome of this initiative will be closely watched by other municipalities in Sweden facing similar issues, and the effectiveness of their strategies could serve as a model for planning in rural areas experiencing population loss.