TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s population fell in August, marking 20 straight months of decline as births continued to lag behind deaths and net migration remained negative.

The Ministry of the Interior reported the population at the end of August was 23,328,343, down 78,265 from the same time last year, per CNA. Compared with July, the total fell by 9,593.

There were 8,464 newborns in August, translating to a crude annual birth rate of 4.27 per thousand. This was 3,179 fewer than last year and 475 fewer than in July.

From January to August, 72,778 babies were born, over 13,000 fewer than during the same period last year. In fact, May’s figure of 8,433 marked a record low for monthly births.

Meanwhile, 15,226 people died in August, averaging one death every 2.9 minutes. This equated to a crude annual death rate of 7.68 per thousand, 1,604 fewer than a year ago and 1,620 fewer than in July.

Migration also contributed to the decline, with 79,243 people moving to Taiwan and 82,074 leaving. Combined with a natural decrease of 6,762, the overall population loss in August was 9,593.

According to the World Health Organization, when people aged 65 and older account for 7% of the population, a country is considered an “aging society.” At 14% it becomes an “aged society,” and at 20% a “super-aged society.”

Taiwan is rapidly approaching the latter threshold, with 4.6 million people aged 65 and older making up 19.72% of the population. Those aged 15–64 accounted for 68.68%, while children 0–14 comprised 11.60%.