Singapore population growth slowest in 9 years

Pedestrians crossing a road at Shenton Way on Aug 30 2013. Singapore's population grew at its slowest pace in nine years in the 12 months up to June 2013, even as the total fertility rate inched up, according to figures released by the National Popul
Pedestrians crossing a road at Shenton Way on Aug 30 2013. Singapore's population grew at its slowest pace in nine years in the 12 months up to June 2013, even as the total fertility rate inched up, according to figures released by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) on Thursday. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Singapore's population grew at its slowest pace in nine years in the 12 months up to June 2013, even as the total fertility rate inched up, according to figures released by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) on Thursday.

The report on key population indicators also showed slower growth in the non-resident population as employers hired fewer foreign workers in the non-construction sectors.

As of June, Singapore's population was 5.4 million, an increase of 1.6 per cent from a year ago. That is the slowest growth measured since 2004, which registered a growth of 1.3 per cent.

The citizen population, which grew by 0.9 per cent, also grew older, with more than 11 per cent now aged 65 and above. The permanent resident population remained stable at 0.53 million.

More Singaporeans got married, and birth rates improved, with the resident total fertility rate inching up to 1.29 in 2012 from 1.2 in 2011.

More babies were born across all ethnic groups and the ethnic profile of the citizen population remained stable, said the NPTD.

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