7 March 2014 | Comments
March 2014
The Quarterly Statistical News Bulletin, published in March 2014, covers the period October – December 2013 (Q4 2013) and contains updates for the annual rate of inflation of the Retail Price Index (RPI), Income and Imports, Estimated Population, Visitor Arrivals and information on Dwellings and Planning Applications. Also contained within the Bulletin is a Correction Notice issued as a result of a revision to the RPI from Quarter 1 to Quarter 3 2013.
Annual inflation of the St Helena RPI stood at 0.8 per cent in Quarter 4 2013 – the lowest recorded rate in over ten years. There has been a 0.7 per cent decrease in the RPI (the overall cost of the ‘St Helena Shopping Basket’) from Quarter 3 to Quarter 4 2013.
The Correction to the RPI shows that annual inflation of the RPI in 2013 was stronger than indicated by previously published estimates. But the revised figures continue to show a persistent decrease in the headline rate of inflation of the St Helena RPI.
The St Helena resident population continues to grow. December 2013 showed a peak in the St Helena population at just under 4,500, including those temporarily returning from overseas employment. In 2013, the estimated resident population at any time has included approximately 150 more people than the same period in 2012. In 2013, over 150 Saints returned to live on St Helena, having worked or lived overseas for two years or longer. Over 70% of these returning Saints were aged between 20 and 60 years.
In 2013, the total number of arrivals to St Helena was up by close to 12% from 2012. Tourist arrivals on the RMS were up from 2012 by almost 20% and yacht visitors up by just over 15%.
Statistician, Dr Paula McLeod says:
“It is encouraging to see indications that the St Helena population and economy are steadily growing. The information published by the Statistics Office provides a small insight into St Helena and her people. It is important that we gather as much data as we can so that we can monitor changes on St Helena and provide sound evidence for policy makers and businesses to base decisions on.”
The Statistical News Bulletin, along with other statistical reports, is available on the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/statistics
If you have requested a copy of the Quarterly Statistical News Bulletin via email and have not yet received it, please contact the Statistics Office on 22138 or email statistics@sainthelena.gov.sh
SHG
7 March 2014
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