TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s population fell for the 22nd consecutive month, with seniors now accounting for nearly one-fifth of residents, the Ministry of the Interior reported Monday.

As of the end of October, Taiwan’s population stood at 23.31 million, down 91,951 from a year earlier, per CNA. That was 6,178 fewer than in September, an average daily decline of about 252 people.

There were 9,458 newborns in October, up 855 from September but 2,612 fewer than a year earlier.

Meanwhile, 15,908 deaths were recorded, resulting in a natural population decline of 6,450 for the month.

Immigration offered only slight relief. A total of 62,594 people moved into Taiwan in October and 62,322 left, giving a net inflow of 272 people. Taoyuan saw the largest gain with 1,139 new residents, followed by Taichung and New Taipei.

Marriage registrations totaled 10,735 in October, including 307 same-sex unions, while 4,511 couples divorced. The crude marriage and divorce rates stood at 5.42 and 2.28 per thousand, respectively.

Taiwan’s elderly population reached about 4.64 million, accounting for 19.9% of the total, just below the 20% “super-aged” threshold. Taipei, Chiayi County, and Nantou County had the highest ratios of senior citizens, while Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, and Taoyuan had the lowest.

Working-age residents made up 68.55% of the population, while children under 14 accounted for 11.55%, underscoring the demographic pressures facing Taiwan’s shrinking and rapidly aging society.