On 1 March, the population of Skútustaðahreppur municipality in Northeast Iceland reached 500 for the first time since 1993, RÚV reports. In 2013, the population of the municipality was 370, but today is 505, representing an increase of 36.5 percent in just 5 years.
In the last year alone, the population of the municipality has increased by almost 19 percent, or from 425 to 505. About a quarter of the population, or 130 individuals, are foreign nationals.
Population growth in Skútustaðahreppur is in line with the growth of local jobs. The growth of tourism is considered the main reason for the population increase in recent years. While several years ago tourism was largely a seasonal industry, it has now become a source of year-round employment for many. The result is more young families and foreign workers moving to the Myvatn region.
Jónas þór Ingólfsson had the distinction of becoming resident number 500 in the municipality last month, where he recently registered his legal residence. Jónas was raised in the Mývatnssveit area, traveled south to study engineering, and has now returned home.
