The population of Taiwan region reached 22.77 million by the end of 2005, up 81,000 from the end of 2004, according to the latest statistics released by the Taiwan authorities.

According to local media reports, the population density of the region was 629 people per square kilometer, while the population density of its major cities, such as Taipei and Kaohsiung, reached nearly 10,000 people per square kilometer.

The statistics showed that the region had 15.8 million urban residents, 69.4 percent of its total population.

(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2006)