Last year saw an increase in the number of births registered in Northern Ireland and in particular an increase in the number of births to Eastern European mothers, while there was a small increase in the number of deaths registered in 2006 following a record low figure in 2005.
There was a slight increase in the number of marriages registered in 2006 while the largest number of divorces on record was observed in the same year.
These are some of the findings in the 2006 Annual Report of the Registrar General published by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). The report provides information on births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships registered in 2006. The report also includes statistics on adoptions and divorces during this period.
Commenting on the report, the Registrar General, Dr Norman Caven, said:
“I am pleased to present the latest Annual Report of the Registrar General. Over the previous year the population of Northern Ireland increased by an estimated 17,000 persons to reach a total of almost 1.75million. This growth was due to both natural increase (more births than deaths) and also significant migration; net in-migration was the highest recorded in recent times. This year’s report also includes an article on the new Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study, which will be an important resource for research on demographic matters in the future.”
This year the Annual Report contains a feature article on the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study, which is a new demographic research resource based on the Census of Population.
Notes to Editors:
- This is the 85th Annual Report of the Registrar General for Northern Ireland. The report is available, at a cost of £25, from The Stationary Office, Belfast. ISBN number 0-33-708856-X; a digital copy can be accessed on the NISRA website: 85th Annual Report
- The report includes commentary designed to bring out the key demographic trends and issues. Detailed statistical tables are available on CD and on the NISRA website.
- The Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS) was launched in December 2006. Chapter two of this year’s report describes the NILS and gives a brief overview of some potential policy questions that the study could inform. Further information on the NILS can be obtained at: www.nisra.gov.uk/nils
- Corresponding information for England and Wales is published by the Office for National Statistics and for Scotland by the General Register Office for Scotland.
- Media enquiries only to DFP Press Office on 028 9052 7644 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
- Further statistical information can be obtained from NISRA Customer Services:
Telephone: 028 9034 8160
Fax: 028 9034 8161
E-mail: census.nisra@dfpni.gov.uk
