The outlying island of Kinmen has seen the most population growth in Taiwan. That’s the latest from a government demographics survey.
Interior ministry official Chang Wan-yi explained. "When we compared the population at the end of 2014 with 2013, we found the population of Kinmen has grown the most at 58%. The reason it has the fastest growing population is due to its welfare benefits and the mini-three links [with China]," said Chang.
Kinmen receives the most benefits of any county in Taiwan. Their elderly aged 65 years and older receive a monthly stipend of at least NT$3,000 (roughly US$100). Students receive free lunches at schools and do not have to pay for tuition.
There is also free transportation on buses and boats. The mini three-links which make it a transportation hub to China has also increased its popularity. Over 120,000 people have their residency in Kinmen, but only half live there.
The demographic survey also shows that the northern city of Hsinchu has the highest percentage of persons 14 years old and under at 18%.
Kinmen has the highest percentage of people aged 15 to 64 at 78%, while Yunlin was the lowest at 71%.
As for the elderly, Yunlin had the highest percentage of persons 65 years and older at 17%, while Taoyuan City had the lowest at 9%.
The survey also found that young people tend to live in cities while the elderly reside in rural areas.
