The Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department (September 9) published the “Hong Kong Population Projection 2020-2069”. The report shows that the population of Hong Kong is expected to exceed 8 million by 2034, and thereafter it will fall from a peak of approximately 8.1 million, and the population will increase by 2065. Decrease to less than 7.5 million, and to 7.35 million by 2069. This is the first report that the future population is less than the current population of 7.51 million since the projection report was issued in 1997.

The report also pointed out that the birth rate in Hong Kong has generally remained low in the past 20 years due to late marriages, increased female singleness, and rising divorce rates. The report estimates that the total fertility rate will drop from 1,051 live births per 1,000 women in 2019 to 1,010 in 2069. In addition, by 2069, there will be only 685 men for every 1,000 women, and women account for 60% of the population. Hong Kong will become the world of women. That is, an average of 1.46 Hong Kong women competed for 1 Hong Kong man.

As the population ages and the birth rate declines, the report estimates that the total dependency ratio will rise, from 441 in 2019 to 853 in 2069. That is, each person aged 15 to 65 needs to support 0.853 people.