ENG-2006 — Page 485

Chapter 20

Population and Immigration

Hong Kong continues to be a magnet for tourists and business people. Its pulling power is evident in the ever-growing number of people moving in and out of the city, which topped the 202-million mark in 2006.

Hong Kong's open and dynamic business environment, stability and security and its top class tourism facilities and attractions join forces to make it a compelling gathering place.

The provisional figure for the population of Hong Kong at the end of 2006 was 6 900 700, or 0.9 per cent up on the previous year. This was due to 28 900 more births than deaths and a net inflow of 34 000 residents. Over the period 2001-06, the average annual growth rate of the population was 0.5 per cent.

In 2006, the birth rate1 was estimated at 10 per 1 000, higher than the seven per 1 000 recorded in each of the years between 2001 and 2004 and eight in 2005. There was little change in the death rate which was about five to six per 1 000. Consequently, the rate of natural increase rose from two per 1 000 recorded in each of the years between 2001 and 2004 to three per 1 000 in 2005 and four per 1 000 in 2006.

The under-15 age group fell from 16 per cent in mid-2001 to 14 per cent in mid- 2006, while the 65 and over age group rose from 11 per cent to 12 per cent in 2006. Correspondingly, the median age group rose from 36.8 to 39.6 during the same period.

The overall dependency ratio of people aged under 15 and those aged 65 and over, to the working age group of people aged between 15 and 64, dropped from 381 per 1 000 in mid-2001 to 354 per 1 000 in mid-2006. This was attributable to a decline in the number of children under 15, which more than offset an increase in the number of old people, aged 65 and over in the same period.

The Council for Sustainable Development, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, conducted a public engagement exercise in 2006 to start a dialogue

1

The birth rate refers to the number of known live births occurring in a calendar year per thousand mid-year population.

409