Norway Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Norway's physicians was 5.19 in 2025, ranked 8th globally. This represents a 4.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Norway's physicians stood at 5.19 in 2025, a rise of +0.22 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.19 by 2025. Norway ranked 8th globally.
Norway’s density of physicians has risen dramatically since the early 1960s, moving from a trough of 1.10 physicians per 1,000 people in 1963 to an all‑time peak of 5.19 in 2025, the latest figure reported by the World Bank and ranking the country eighth globally. This 371 percent increase over 61 years reflects sustained investment in medical education, expansion of specialist training programmes and policies that encourage both domestic retention and selective immigration of health professionals. The upward trajectory mirrors that of other high‑ranking small states; for example, Andorra recorded 5.56 physicians per 1,000 in the same year, while Malta reached 4.87, underscoring a regional pattern where affluent, well‑governed economies achieve higher provider ratios. Despite the impressive growth, the marginal rise from 5.15 in 2024 to 5.19 in 2025 suggests a nearing saturation point. Future shifts will likely depend on demographic ageing, technological adoption in telemedicine and any reforms to medical school enrolment that could either accelerate or temper the current trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 5.29 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 5.19 | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.19 | +0.22 | #8 |
| 2023 | 4.98 | +0.07 | #5 |
| 2022 | 4.91 | +0.14 | #9 |
| 2021 | 4.77 | +0.09 | #8 |
| 2020 | 4.68 | +0.10 | #8 |
| 2019 | 4.58 | +0.11 | #9 |
| 2018 | 4.47 | +0.12 | #12 |
| 2017 | 4.35 | +0.13 | #11 |
| 2016 | 4.22 | +0.13 | #12 |
| 2015 | 4.09 | −0.34 | #12 |
| 2014 | 4.43 | +0.12 | #9 |
| 2013 | 4.31 | +0.07 | #9 |
| 2012 | 4.23 | +0.04 | #9 |
| 2011 | 4.19 | +0.07 | #8 |
| 2010 | 4.11 | +0.07 | #7 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Norway matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Norway's physicians was 5.19 in 2025. Ranked 8th globally. This represents a 4.3% increase from the previous year.
Norway's physicians peaked at 5.19 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Norway was 1.10 in 1963.
Norway ranks 8th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Norway's physicians is projected to reach 5.19 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Norway in 2025 was 5.19. This ranks 8th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_norway_physicians,
title = {Norway Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/norway/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}