According to census data, the total population at the end of 1993 was 20,944,006 (16,885,412 from Taiwan Province), having more than doubled since 1949. In 1993, the population in-creased by 191,512 persons, an average increase of 524 persons daily, with one baby born every 164 seconds. The ratio of males to females was 106.4:100.

Due to improved health care and the success of new family planning programs, the birth rate dropped to 15.59% and the death rate lowered to 5.30% from Jan. to Dec. in 1993. The natural growth rate was 10.28% .

A natural population growth rate of 8%, is targeted for the year 2000. Following implementation of the Eugenic Health Care Law in 1985, it is expected that the quality of the population will be further enhanced.

2. Population Density

In year 1993, the average population density in Taiwan, including Taipei and Kaohsiung, was 582 persons per square kilometer. Due to Taiwan's economic development, the population in urban centers has increased even faster. In Taipei City, the population density was 9,762 persons per square kilometer, while in Kaohsiung it was 9,149. Taipei County had the highest population density among the province's 16 counties, with 1,570 persons per square kilometer. Taitung had the lowest, with 73 persons per square kilometer.

3. Age Distribution

At the end of 1993, the population distribution according to age was as follows: from 0- 14 years, 25.14%; 15-64 years, 67,77%, and over 65 years, 7.15%. Among the productive population, between 15 and 64 years of age, every one hundred people had to support an average of 50 dependents aside from themselves. The rate of support had dropped from 58.3% in 1979 to 48.5% in 1993. The percentage of employment among the productive population was 98.55%, showing an ever-increasing working vitality in the society.

4. Number of Households

The number of households in Taiwan, including Taipei and Kaohsiung, totaled 5,484,603 in year 1993. The average family had 3.8 members, 32.1 % less than the average of 5.6 in 1969, demonstrating that the average household size was smaller.

5. Education

According to 1993 census data, the number of persons over six years of age in Taiwan totaled 18,989,592 constituting 90.66% of the population. 9.93% are university or college graduates, 23.93% are senior high school graduates, 19.96% are junior high school graduates, and 24.07% are primary school graduates. 16.16% are self-educated, and 5.95% are illiterate.

6. Population According to Vocation

The percentage of agricultural workers in the labor force declined from 29.7% in 1979 to 11.49% in 1993. Industrial workers increased from 29.8% in 1979 to 44.3% in 1993. Service workers increased from 40.5% in 1979 to 44. 1 % in 1993, showing that the service industry is be-coming more and more important as Taiwan's economic development progresses.