As in many large urban centres of the world, Hong Kong’s population has increased in the late 20th century. Since the 1950s the average annual rate of growth has fluctuated between about 2 and 4 percent, the variations in some degree based on the sporadic flow of immigrants from China. Immigration has been a chief cause of population increase, but it was slowed through changes in immigration policy in 1980 and 1982, and emigration rose from the late 1980s. Birth rates have steadily declined since the late 1950s, the rate of natural increase falling below 1 percent by the 1980s. Life expectancy, however, has been showing a gradual increase. Since the 1950s, the proportion of the population under 15 has decreased rapidly, while that between 15 and 64 has shown a marked increase and the group over 65 has more than doubled. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated places.
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Kowloon-street-at-night-Hong-KongKowloon street at night, Hong Kong.[Credits : Photos.com/Jupiterimages]
Hong-Kong-skyline-at-night-including-the-Convention-and-ExhibitionHong Kong skyline at night, including the Convention and Exhibition Center (centre).[Credits : © Digital Vision/Getty Images]
Hong-Kong-Island-from-Victoria-Peak-Hong-KongHong Kong Island (centre background) from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong.[Credits : © M. Borchi/DeA Picture Library]
Street-scene-Hong-KongStreet scene, Hong Kong.[Credits : © Goodshoot/Jupiterimages]
Boat-people-in-Hong-Kong-Harbour“Boat people” (Tanka) in Hong Kong Harbour.[Credits : © Goodshoot/Jupiterimages]
Woman-lighting-incense-at-a-Buddhist-temple-Hong-KongWoman lighting incense at a Buddhist temple, Hong Kong.[Credits : © Corbis]
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