http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_391595.html
Spore's population is 4.84m
By Diana Othman
The number of residents, that is, Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR), rose 1.7 per cent to 3.64 million in June last year, said a report released by the National Population Secretariat (NPS) on Wednesday. -- PHOTO: TNP
SINGAPORE'S population grew 5.5 per cent last year to reach 4.84 million, due largely to the influx of foreigners.
The number of residents, that is, Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR), rose 1.7 per cent to 3.64 million in June last year, said a report released by the National Population Secretariat (NPS) on Wednesday.
There were 79,167 new PRs in 2008 - up 15, 540 from 63,627 the previous year and 20,513 new citizens, an increase of 3,179 from 17,334 over the same period.
More than half of the new residents aged 20 and above had at least post-secondary education which shows that Singapore continues to attract talented foreigners.
With more foreigners settling in Singapore, NPS said it has become 'more important' to help them integrate.
NPS also said that Singapore continues to face the long-term demographic challenge of low fertility and ageing population.
Singapore's total feritility rate of 1.28 in 2008 remained below the replacement level of 2.1.
The proportion of residents aged 65 years and above also continues to increase to 8.7 per cent last year from 6.8 per cent in 1998.
These trends underscore the need to 'continue working on long-term strategies to build a sustainable population, in spite of the economic downturn', added NPS.
NPS also continues to engage thousands of Singaporeans who are overseas for work and studies through its Overseas Singaporean Unit to help them stay connected with home. As of June last year, there were more than 180,000 Singaporeans overseas.
Spore's population is 4.84m
By Diana Othman
The number of residents, that is, Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR), rose 1.7 per cent to 3.64 million in June last year, said a report released by the National Population Secretariat (NPS) on Wednesday. -- PHOTO: TNP
SINGAPORE'S population grew 5.5 per cent last year to reach 4.84 million, due largely to the influx of foreigners.
The number of residents, that is, Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR), rose 1.7 per cent to 3.64 million in June last year, said a report released by the National Population Secretariat (NPS) on Wednesday.
There were 79,167 new PRs in 2008 - up 15, 540 from 63,627 the previous year and 20,513 new citizens, an increase of 3,179 from 17,334 over the same period.
More than half of the new residents aged 20 and above had at least post-secondary education which shows that Singapore continues to attract talented foreigners.
With more foreigners settling in Singapore, NPS said it has become 'more important' to help them integrate.
NPS also said that Singapore continues to face the long-term demographic challenge of low fertility and ageing population.
Singapore's total feritility rate of 1.28 in 2008 remained below the replacement level of 2.1.
The proportion of residents aged 65 years and above also continues to increase to 8.7 per cent last year from 6.8 per cent in 1998.
These trends underscore the need to 'continue working on long-term strategies to build a sustainable population, in spite of the economic downturn', added NPS.
NPS also continues to engage thousands of Singaporeans who are overseas for work and studies through its Overseas Singaporean Unit to help them stay connected with home. As of June last year, there were more than 180,000 Singaporeans overseas.
