For the first time in at least 80 years, deaths in Bermuda outnumbered births in 2017-18.
Figures in the Bermuda Digest of Statistics 2019 show a record low of 530 births and a record number of 532 deaths were recorded over the period.
According to the digest: “This year was the first occasion since Digest of Statistics records began in 1940 that the number of deaths has exceeded the number of births, resulting in a population decline of two.”
Figures also show a slight increase in the number of schoolchildren registered in private school. Enrolment at Bermuda College also increased by 8 percent.
But the number of students enrolled in public schools hit a record low.
“Primary school enrolment has never been lower with significantly decreasing numbers of births since 2007 being a contributing factor,” the diguest said.
“Middle school enrolment declined each year between 2009 and 2017 before stabilising this year.
“After four years of increasing decline, secondary school enrolment figures rose in 2018.”
The number of jobs filled increased every year since 2015 with a total of 491 more jobs over the period.
The number of work permits issued fell by 10 percent, while the average duration of a work permit increased.
““With regards to the private sector, the most common duration of work permit issued was three months between 2009 and 2013.
“As of 2015, permits with a length up to a year became the leading type of private sector work permit issued.”
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Wayne Furbert said the latest figures would benefit local research, marketing and business planning.
“The digest is structured into ten sections and contains brief analyses, quick facts and charts for each section,” he said.
“There are more than 60 statistical tables which provide a wealth of data about Bermuda’s social, demographic and economic conditions.”
