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A publication entitled "Demographic Trends in Hong Kong 1981-2011" was published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (December 28).
The publication describes the growth, the age-sex structure and the patterns of fertility, mortality and nuptiality of the Hong Kong population in the past 30 years. The publication also depicts Hong Kong's demographic changes over the period 1981-2011, highlighting comparisons with the patterns observed in selected economies during the same period.
The population of Hong Kong increased at an average annual growth rate of 1.0% in the past three decades, from 5.18 million in 1981 to 7.07 million in 2011. Concomitant with this population growth, there were also significant demographic changes.
The population showed a continuing dejuvenation and ageing trend. The median age of the population rose from 26.3 in 1981 to 41.7 in 2011. This is attributable to the declining fertility and the continuous improvement in mortality experienced in the last 30 years.
Hong Kong's fertility experienced a marked and continuous decline in the past 30 years. The total fertility rate decreased by nearly 40% from 1 933 live births per 1 000 women in 1981 to 1 204 in 2011.
Hong Kong has also experienced a continuous decline in mortality during 1981-2011, leading to an increase in life expectancy. The expectation of life at birth for males increased from 72.3 years in 1981 to 80.3 years in 2011. The corresponding figures for females were 78.5 years and 86.7 years respectively.
Delay in marriage prevailed. In 2011, the median age at first marriage was 31 for bridegrooms and 29 for brides. In 1981, the corresponding median ages were 27 and 24 respectively.
The number of divorce decrees granted in 2011 was 19 597, significantly increased from 2 060 in 1981.
A summary of the key demographic statistics is presented in Table 1.
Users can download the publication free of charge at the website of C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp150.jsp?productCode=B1120017).
Enquiries on more detailed statistics can be directed to the Demographic Statistics Section, C&SD (Tel.: 2716 8044 or e-mail: population@censtatd.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, December 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:21
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