Report on population distribution projections for 2009-2018 published
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     The New Territories and Kowloon will be the main population growth areas over the next decade, according to the latest population distribution projections contained in a report published today (December 30) by the Planning Department.

     The population distribution projections are compiled based on the latest projected population for overall Hong Kong released by the Census and Statistics Department in July 2007 and the latest planning information.

     The report projects that the population of the New Territories and Kowloon will increase by 308,800 and 259,100 over the next 10 years, reaching 3.95 million and 2.29 million respectively by 2018, while that of Hong Kong Island is expected to increase marginally from 1.31 million to 1.35 million during the same period.

     In terms of share of the total population, Kowloon will show a slight increase from 29% to 30% between 2008 and 2018, while Hong Kong Island a slight decrease from 19% to 18%.  The share of the New Territories will remain stable around 52% during the same period.
 
     The report entitled "Projections of Population Distribution, 2009-2018", presents the projected population distribution in three geographical demarcation systems: District Council District, New Town and Tertiary Planning Unit. For each District Council District and New Town, the projected age structure is also presented.

     Among all District Council Districts, Sha Tin is projected to remain as the most populous district over the next 10 years, with the population reaching 683,600 or 9% of the total population in 2018.  On the other hand, Sai Kung will experience the greatest population growth, with 91,800 more people over the next 10 years to reach 509,500 in 2018.

     The full report in PDF format can be downloaded from the Planning Department's website (www.pland.gov.hk).  The print version of the report is also available for public inspection at the department's two planning enquiry counters on 17/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, and 14/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, No 1, Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, New Territories.

Ends/Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:00

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