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Latest census finds fertility, mortality rates slightly higher

The nation's population stood at 22,934,997 as of the end of last month, marking a year-on-year increase of 0.369 percent or 84,336 people, the Ministry of the Interior said yesterday.

The nation's latest census also showed that Taiwan's fertility and mortality rates had increased over the past year, Department of Population Administration officials said.

The number of registered households totaled 7,497,547, representing an increase of 1.48 percent or 109,370 households year-on-year.

By city and county, Taipei County had the greatest number of households, totaling 1,305,688 households, which constituted 17 percent of the nation's total. Trailing Taipei County was Taipei City, with 947,212 households, or 13 percent.

Kinmen saw the highest rate of population increase over the past year at 6.964 percent, compared with the national average of 0.369 percent. Trailing Kinmen was Hsinchu County at 1.834 percent.

The census found that the number of people registered in Taitung and Hualien counties had declined by 1.172 percent and 0.563 percent respectively.

The number of males in the country totaled 11,600,730, while females totaled 11,334,267, representing a ratio of 102:100, ministry officials said.

Matsu has the greatest gap between male and female populations, with a ratio of 141 men to every 100 women. Taipei City had the lowest male-to-female ratio at 95:100.

A total of 19,233 babies were born last month, with a new baby born every 2.3 minutes, representing a fertility rate of 0.988 percent, up 0.013 percent year-on-year.

A total of 12,260 people died last month, representing a mortality rate of 0.63 percent, up 0.047 percent year-on-year.

Officials have completed a draft white paper outlining measures to combat population issues such as a declining birth rate and aging population.

The ministry tasked a panel with drafting the paper more than a year ago, an official said, adding that the draft paper combined the input of government agencies and independent research.

The draft proposes measures to increase the birth rate, take care of a rapidly graying population and attract foreign skilled workers and professionals.

To encourage larger families, the panel proposes that the government offer housing subsidies for families with three or more children, raise tax deductibles for those with minor dependents and offer bigger tax deductions for daycare and education expenses for young children.

It also proposes legislation to regulate the adoption of children to better protect the rights of all parties.

Other measures include residential areas better suited to the needs of the elderly and simplified applications for employment subsidies for middle-aged and elderly people.

The draft will be referred to the Executive Yuan for approval before Nov. 23, the official said.
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