The Hong Kong population swelled to 7,008,900 at the end of last year, according to the Census & Statistics Department's provisional figures. This represents a 0.8% increase - or 56,100 more people than in 2007.

The rise is due to a natural increase of 37,400 and a net movement - that is the number of people moving in less the number moving out - of 18,700 residents.

From the end of 2007 to the end of 2008, there were 78,700 babies born here to Hong Kong residents and non-Hong Kong residents. There were 41,300 deaths that offset part of the increase.

Excluding the arrival of 41,600 one-way permit holders, there was a net outflow of 22,800 people.

Among the total population at the end of 2008, 6,790,200 were usual residents and 218,700 were mobile residents. The number of visitors present in Hong Kong at the end of 2008 was 429,600.