The report from Statistics Norway found that the fear of infection and less contact with others were two of leading causes of loneliness in 2020.

The figures for 2020, based on the Quality of Life Survey, show that 11 percent of the population aged between 18 and 79 were suffering from loneliness.

In 2012 the corresponding figure for loneliness was just seven percent.

The increase from 2012 to 2020 is particularly pronounced among those under 35 and those who are single.

The report also said that previous research indicates that immigrants in Norway are more likely to be lonely.

Almost 20 percent of immigrants said that they were bothered by loneliness in the statistic agency’s previous research.

READ MORE: Immigrants in Norway more likely to be affected by loneliness

The survey was conducted in March 2020 during the first coronavirus lockdown in Norway

However, Statistics Norway believes that the lockdown is not responsible for the increase in loneliness.

Instead, the stats agency point towards media reports about the infection situation, both in Norway and across the world, may have contributed to increased fear of infection and less social contact.

Increased concern around the pandemic has also created a stronger need for people to seek the support and company of others.

Statistics Norway said it believed that loneliness is more prevalent in 2021 than it was in 2020. 

It pointed to a survey from data collection firm, Opinion, which found that four out of ten Norwegians stated that they felt lonely during March 2021.