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According to the statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department today (February 22), the Hong Kong Population was 6 900 700 (provisional) at end-2006, representing an increase of 62 900 (provisional) or 0.9% (provisional) over end-2005.
The compilation of the above population figures has incorporated the results of the 2006 Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006.
The system for compiling population figures is complex and requires data from a wide variety of sources. The results of the series of population censuses and by-censuses form the corner stone of the system. These benchmark data are taken together with statistical data generated from administrative systems (such as births, deaths and passenger movement records) and sample surveys (in particular the continuous General Household Survey) to form a population statistical database which serves a multitude of purposes, including the compilation of population figures.
Obtained by subtracting the number of deaths of 36 900 from the number of births of 65 800, the natural increase of the population from end-2005 to end-2006 amounted to 28 900.
The overall population increased by 62 900 (provisional) over the same period, comprising a natural increase of 28 900 and a net movement (i.e. inflow less outflow) of 34 000 residents.
Both births and inflow of One-way Permit holders (OWPHs) were important constituents of the overall population increase. For the number of births during end-2005 to end-2006, at 65 800, which comprised births born to Hong Kong residents and non Hong Kong residents, its ratio to the overall population increase over the same period was 105%. As for the inflow of OWPHs in the same period, at 54 200, the corresponding ratio to the overall population increase was 86%.
Deaths during the period offset part of the increase. The ratio of the number of deaths, at 36 900, to the overall population increase was 59%. Besides, not counting the arrival of OWPHs mentioned above, there was a net outflow of 20 200 persons, bearing a ratio of 32% to the overall population increase.
The Hong Kong Population is measured on the definition of Resident Population, which comprises Usual Residents and Mobile Residents. Among the total population at end-2006, 6 667 800 (provisional) were Usual Residents and 232 900 (provisional) were Mobile Residents.
"Usual Residents" include two categories of people: (1) Hong Kong Permanent Residents who have stayed in Hong Kong for at least three months during the six months before or for at least three months during the six months after the reference time-point, regardless of whether they are in Hong Kong or not at the reference time-point; and (2) Hong Kong Non-permanent Residents who are in Hong Kong at the reference time-point.
"Mobile Residents" are Hong Kong Permanent Residents who have stayed in Hong Kong for at least one month but less than three months during the six months before or for at least one month but less than three months during the six months after the reference time-point, regardless of whether they are in Hong Kong or not at the reference time-point.
It should be noted that the population figure does not include visitors. The number of visitors present in Hong Kong as at end-2006 was 337 600.
Based on the population benchmark from the results of the 2006 Population By-census, the population figures for mid-2001 to mid-2006 have been revised (Table 1). The revision has also incorporated more accurate estimates of population changes that were not yet available at the time when the previous population figures were prepared. A downward adjustment of the population of about 2% was observed.
Under the current practice, the latest population figure is released on a provisional basis in each round. The revised figure will be released six months later. In other words, while the provisional population figure for end-2006 is released today, the corresponding revised figures will be released in August 2007.
Ends/Thursday, February 22, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:15
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