Taipei: Taiwan's population declined for the 32nd consecutive month in August, with births totaling 7,492, government data showed Thursday. Household registration statistics released by the Ministry of the Interior showed that Taiwan's population stood at 23,224,721 at the end of August, down 103,622 from a year earlier and 10,281 from the previous month.

According to Focus Taiwan, a total of 7,492 births were recorded in August, 972 fewer than in the same month last year and 414 fewer than in July. The crude birth rate stood at 3.8 per 1,000 people. Lienchiang County, which comprises the Matsu Islands, recorded the highest rate at 6.05 per 1,000 people, followed by Taitung County at 6.01 and Hsinchu County at 4.98. Keelung recorded the lowest rate at 1.87, followed by Chiayi County at 2.96 and Tainan at 3.21.

Meanwhile, 16,470 deaths were recorded in August, 1,244 more than in the same month last year but 649 fewer than in July. Taiwan therefore recorded a natural population decrease of 8,978 in August. Taiwan became a super-aged society last year, meaning that people aged 65 and older account for at least 20 percent of the population.