The number of babies born in Hong Kong rose for the first time in six years in 2023, propelling the SAR’s population to 7.5 million from 7.47 million, census figures show. The region’s Census and Statistics Department announced the city had recorded 33,200 births last year, a 2 percent increase over 2022, and the first uptick since 2017. The government attributes the rise to talent recruitment schemes and Hongkongers returning from overseas.