On the rise: Hong Kong's population has swelled to 6,921,700.

Hong Kong's population swelled to 6,921,700 in mid-2007, according to the Census & Statistics Department's provisional figures. This represents a 0.9% rise or 64,600 more people than in mid-2006.

The overall population rise is due to a natural increase of 28,800 people and a net movement (the number of people moving in less the number moving out) of 35,800 residents.

Both births and inflow of one-way permit holders are important constituents of the overall population rise.

From mid-2006 to mid-2007 there were 66,200 births and this ratio compared to the overall population increase was 103%.

The ratio of the number of deaths, at 37,400, to the overall population rise was 58%.