Hong Kong's population swelled to 6,994,500 at mid-2006, representing a 0.8 percent increase, or 58,600 more people than in mid-2005, the Census and Statistics Department said Monday.

The overall population increase is due to a natural increase of 23,300 and a net movement of 35,300 residents.

Both births and the influx of one-way permit holders were important constituents of the overall increase, the department said.

From mid-2005 to mid-2006, there were 59,800 babies born here to Hong Kong residents and non-Hong Kong residents.

There were 36,500 deaths that offset part of the increase.

Not counting the arrival of one-way permit holders, there was a net outflow of 24,300 people.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2006)