Singapore had more marriages and births in 2014: Report
PUBLISHED ONFebruary 16, 2015 10:55 AM
SINGAPORE - Singapore had the highest number of marriages last year since 1997, according to latest statistics that were released on Monday.
There were about 24,000 marriages in 2014 involving at least one citizen. This is a 10 per cent rise, said the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) in a statement.
More couples were giving birth too. Citizen births increased from around 31,000 births in 2013 to about 33,000 births last year.
This pushes up the total fertility rate from 1.19 in 2013 to 1.25 in 2014.
According to the NPTD, the increase in marriages is partly due to the greater availability of HDB flats, and partly to more Singaporeans - who are children of the baby boomer generation - entering marriageable age.
"The Government has been supporting them in fulfilling their aspirations to marry and have children, for example by increasing the supply of HDB flats", said NPTD in its statement.
"We will continue to support Singaporean families, including the area of child care, and make it easier for both fathers and mothers to share the experience of bringing up their children," said the NPTD, which is under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
The latest statistics brought cheer to Minister Grace Fu, who said: "I am delighted to see more Singaporeans finding love and joy from setting up new families with their loved ones and having children of their own.
"This is indeed a good SG50 present for Singapore as she celebrates her 50 years of independence."
Ms Fu also added that she hoped that these "positive trends will continue in Singapore's Jubilee year".
klim@sph.com.sg