Singapore's population up almost 200,000 between 2006 and 2007

Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia 31 Jul 08;

SINGAPORE : Singapore's population rose by almost 200,000 between 2006 and 2007.

As of last year, total population stood at 4.59 million, up from 4.4 million in 2006. Of these, 3.58 million are citizens and permanent residents.

The latest Yearbook of Statistics released on Thursday also showed there were 39,490 births last year, up by over 1,100 babies compared to the previous year.

Marriage inched up again, registering its highest number in five years.

Last year, 23,966 couples tied the knot, up 260 from 2006. But this is still down by 1,701 compared to a decade ago, which saw 25,667 marriages registered in 1997.

More are also delaying marriage. In 1997, the median age for groom was 28.4 years old, but last year, it was 29.8.

For the women, the median age of brides was 25.7 about a decade ago, compared with 27.2 last year. - CNA /ls

Population grows to 4.59 million
Straits Times 1 Aug 08;

SINGAPORE'S population now stands at 4.59 million.

It grew by almost 200,000 between 2006 and last year, with foreigners accounting for the bulk of the increase.

The number of foreigners - professionals, workers, students and their family members - rose 14.9 per cent over 2006 to hit 1,005,500 in June last year.

It was the first time the population of foreigners here has crossed the one-million mark.

The population of Singaporeans and permanent residents also rose, to about 3.58 million, up from 3.52 million in 2006.

The figures were given in the Yearbook of Statistics 2008, released yesterday.

Women outnumber men slightly - 1.80 million to 1.77 million.

The statistics also showed a marginal increase in the number of births and marriages.

The number of births last year went up by over 1,100 to 39,490.

The number of marriages was up 260 from 2006.

The 23,966 marriages registered were the highest number in five years.

TAN WEIZHEN