THE ISLAND’S population increased by 1.6 per cent in 2006, mainly as a result of an increased net migration balance.
According to the Statistical Service’s latest demographic report, the population in the government-controlled area of the country was estimated to be 788,700 at the end of last year, compared to 766,400 in 2005.
In 2006, there were 8,731 births, compared to 8,243 in 2005. The fertility rate, which gives the mean number of children per woman, was estimated at 1.44 in 2006 and has, since 1996, remained below the replacement level of 2.10.
The number of deaths reached 5,127 in 2006 compared to 5,425 in 2005.
Life expectancy is 77 years for males and 81.7 years for females.
In 2006, the number of marriages decreased to 12,617 from 12,966 in 2005.
Both religious and civil ceremonies were down, while the number of divorces increased to 1,753 from 1,514.
Limassol honours Stella Soulioti
LIMASSOL City Council has held a ceremony at Town Hall to honour Stella Soulioti, an important figure in recent Cypriot history. Soulioti served as the first woman Minister, the first woman Attorney-general, and as President of Cyprus Red Cross for 43 years. Soulioti was also one of the first women pilots during the Second World War.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday evening, in the presence of President Tassos Papadopoulos, while Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Markouli made a speech on the life and work of Soulioti.
“We feel proud as Limassolians that our town is the birthplace of great personalities like Stella Soulioti and the organisation of ceremonies in their honour is our duty,” said Andreas Christou, Mayor of Limassol.
Soulioti is the sister of internationally-acclaimed director Michalis Kakoyiannis.
Poacher arrested in Limassol
A 29-YEAR-old man was caught poaching in an area where hunting is prohibited, while he did not have a licence to hold the rifle found in his possession, police said yesterday.
The man, from a village in the Limassol district, was caught in a no-hunting zone on Wednesday by wardens of the Game Fund who reported him to police. The 29-year-old was carrying a loaded rifle, while four empty cartridges were found at the scene.
Following police investigation it was found that the rifle belonged to a relative of the 29-year-old, who did not possess a license to carry the gun. The 29-year-old was questioned and he admitted to the charges brought against him.
The man has been charged and released, but will be appearing before a Court.
