ENG-2007 — Page 481

Chapter 20

Population and Immigration

Hong Kong continues to be a big attraction for business people and tourists. Its drawing power is highlighted in the ever-growing number of people moving in and out of the city, which almost topped 218 million in 2007, about 8 per cent up on 2006. Hong Kong's open and dynamic business environment, stability and security, and its world-class tourism facilities and unique attractions make it a compelling place to come to.

The provisional figure for Hong Kong's population at the end of 2007 was 6 963 100, or 0.8 per cent up on the previous year. This was due to 30 700 more births than deaths and a net inflow of 22 900 residents. The population's average annual growth rate from 2002 to 2007 was 0.7 per cent.

The birth rate' in 2007 was estimated to be the same as that of 2006, at 10 per 1 000, but higher than the seven per 1 000 recorded in each of the years between 2002 and 2004 and eight per 1 000 in 2005. There was little change in the death rate which was about five to six per 1 000.

The under-15 age group shrank from 16 per cent in mid-2002 to 13 per cent in mid-2007, while the 65 and over age group grew from 12 per cent in mid-2002 to 13 per cent in mid-2007. Correspondingly, the population's median age rose from 37.5 years to 39.9 years 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 378 per 1 000 in mid-2002 to 349 per 1 000 in mid-2007. 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.

Immigration Department

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is a separate travel area with autonomy over its immigration policy. In accordance with the Basic Law, the

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

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