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The end-1999 population of Hong Kong was 6 974 800, according to figures released by the Census and Statistics Department. There was an increase of 169 200 persons as compared with the end-1998 population, representing a growth rate of 2.5 per cent.

There were 51 400 births and 32 800 deaths in Hong Kong during end-1998 to end-1999. The natural increase (i.e. births less deaths) thus amounted to 18 600, accounting for 11 per cent of the population growth.

During the same period, the balance of arrivals and departures showed a net inflow of some 150 600 persons, constituting 89 per cent of the population growth.

End/Tuesday, February 15, 2000

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