SINGAPORE-POPULATION

Singapore's population growth slowest in six years

SINGAPORE

Singapore's population increased in 2010 at its slowest pace in six years and the rise in the

number of foreigners continued to outpace that of citizens, a sensitive issue in the country.

In the year to June 2010, the population increased 1.8 per cent to just over 5 million, marking the smallest rise since 2004 and a slowdown compared with 3.1 per cent in the year to

June 2009, government figures showed. Out of the total population, 3.77 million were Singaporeans and permanent residents -- those with long-term residency and rights similar

to those of citizens. About 1.31 million were foreigners.

However, the foreign population living and working in Singapore grew much faster than the general population at 4.1 per cent.

The number of citizens increased just 0.9 per cent and the number of permanent residents rose by 1.5 percent, a sharp drop from 11.5 per cent in 2009 and reflecting a slowdown in the

number of government approvals.

The issue of cheaper foreign workers entering the work force is a sensitive topic in Singapore. The government is keen to strike a balance between the need to import workers and

avoid depriving its citizens of employment opportunities.

August 2010