Population growth rate at 1.72

The total population of Camarines Sur, as of May 1, 2000, was 1,551,549 persons. This implied an increase of 118,951 persons over the 1995 census figure or an average annual population growth rate of 1.72 percent, slightly lower than the annual population growth rate recorded during the 1990 to 1995 period (1.75 percent). A corresponding increase on the number of households was also registered, from 265,030 households in 1995 to 288,172 households in 2000. This resulted to an average household size of 5.38 persons, slightly lower than the average household size (5.40 persons) recorded five years ago.

Population of the province to double after four decades

If the average growth rate of the population continues at 1.72 percent, the population of Camarines Sur is expected to double after 40 years, increasing by 26,687 persons every year or about 73 persons per day.

Naga City, the provincial capital, was the most populous city

Of the two cities and 35 municipalities in Camarines Sur, Naga City, the capital of the province, was the largest in terms of population size, accounting for about 8.9 percent of the total population of the province. This was followed by Iriga City (5.73 percent), the municipalities of Libmanan (5.70 percent), and Nabua (4.57 percent). The least populous was the municipality of Gainza (0.54 percent).

Predominantly Bicolanos

Of the total household population, about 95 percent classified themselves as Bicolanos or Bikolanos. Over 3 percent classified themselves as Tagalog. The remaining 2 percent was under the other ethnic groups that included Kankanai/ Kankaney, Surigaonon and Bisaya/Binisaya.

Sex ratio recorded at 104

In 2000, there were approximately 104 males for every 100 females in the province, slightly higher than the 1995 and 1990 figures (both 103).

Economically active persons increased by 11 percent

In 2000, about 55 percent of the total population or 852,351 persons belonged to productive ages (aged 15 to 64 years). This resulted to an 11 percent increase from the 1995 figure of 770,801 persons. The percentage of total population belonging to the 0 – 14 years declined from 42.4 percent in 1990 to about 41 percent in 2000. On the other hand, the proportion of 65 years old and over increased from 54,468 persons in 1995 to 65,667 persons in 2000. Thus, the overall dependency ratio in 2000 was 82, lower than the 1995 ratio of 86. This meant that for every 100 persons aged 15 to 64 years, there were about 82 dependents, i.e., 74 young dependents and 8 old dependents.

Half of the population were below 19 years old

Camarines Sur had a median age of 19 years, higher by one year than the 1995 median age. This implied that half of the total population of the province were below 19 years old.

More than two in every five females belonged to the childbearing ages

Women in childbearing or reproductive age group (15 to 49 years) comprised 46 percent of the total females, the same proportion reported five years ago.

More than half of the population belonged to voting ages

There were 814,274 persons or over 52 percent of the total population who can participate during election (18 years old and over). Among them, the proportion of males (51 percent) was higher than females (49 percent).

Nine in every ten persons five years old and over had attended school

About 90 percent of the total population five years old and over had attended school, of which 49 percent in elementary; 27 percent, high school; and 14 percent with college education or post baccalaureate.

Males dominated among those who had attended school, particularly from elementary to post secondary levels while females dominated among those who had higher education.

Single men outnumbered single women

Single and married persons both shared about 45 percent each of the total population 10 years old and over. On the other hand, the proportion of those who separated or divorced increased from 0.42 percent in 1995 to 0.67 percent in 2000. Those with other arrangements increased from 2.06 percent in 1995 to 4.36 percent in 2000.

Among single and married persons, there was a higher percentage of men (54 percent and 50.4 percent, respectively) than women (46 percent and 49.6 percent, respectively). As expected, there were more widows (76 percent) than widowers (24 percent).

,B>Single houses were preferred

A large proportion (95 percent) of the occupied housing units in Camarines Sur in 2000 were single houses. Over 60 percent of the housing units needed no repair or if needed one, with minor repair only. Over 37 percent of occupied housing units were built from 1996 to 2000.

Median floor area was 21 square meters

The median floor area of occupied houses in Camarines Sur was 21 square meters. This implied that half of the total occupied housing units had a floor area of below 21 square meters. About 23.9 percent had 10 to 19 square meters; 23.8 percent, less than 10 square meters; and 19.1 percent, 20 to 29 square meters. About 3 percent of the total housing units reported to have floor area of at least 120 square meters.

Construction materials of roof and outer walls of the houses improved

In 2000, out of 283,604 occupied housing units in Camarines Sur, the proportion with roof made of galvanized iron or aluminum was 49 percent, an improvement of about 22 percentage points from the figure recorded a decade ago. On the other hand, the proportion with walls made of concrete, brick, or stone was 28 percent, two times higher than the figure recorded in 1990.