Singapore's Population Growth Highest in Southeast Asia

Based on World Bank data, Singapore's population grew by 4.9% in mid-2023 compared to mid-2022 (year-on-year/yoy).

This makes Singapore the country with the highest population growth rate in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, the population growth of other Southeast Asian countries was only around 1% (yoy) or less, as shown in the graph.

According to the Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS), Singapore's official statistical agency, its population grew rapidly, primarily driven by immigration.

"Increases were seen across all types of immigration passes," quoted from the DOS report *Population in Brief 2023*.

"The largest increase in immigration came from work pass holders in the construction, shipyard, and processing sectors, as contractors hired more workers to catch up on projects delayed due to COVID-19," it continued.

Despite its rapid growth, Singapore's population is relatively small compared to its neighbors.

Here's a breakdown of the Southeast Asian population in mid-2023 according to World Bank data, ordered from largest to smallest:

1. Indonesia: 277.5 million people
2. Philippines: 117.3 million people
3. Vietnam: 98.9 million people
4. Thailand: 71.8 million people
5. Myanmar: 54.6 million people
6. Malaysia: 34.3 million people
7. Cambodia: 16.9 million people
8. Laos: 7.6 million people
9. Singapore: 5.9 million people
10. Timor Leste: 1.4 million people
11. Brunei Darussalam: 0.45 million people