The birthrate reached a new low in 2014 while Government expenditure exceeded revenue by a record $300 million in fiscal year 2014/15, according to the latest Bermuda Digest of Statistics.

The publication revealed that a total of 574 “live births” were recorded during in the year, while the 480 deaths in the same period represented the highest of the 2004 to 2014 period.

During 2014 104 divorces were granted — the lowest number since 1984 — while the 9,767 work permits issued was the lowest since 1998.

The digest also reveals that number of reported traffic accidents and road casualties reached record lows in 2014.

“The Digest is structured into ten sections and contains brief analyses, quick facts and graphs for each section,” said Michael Dunkley, the Premier.

“There are more than 60 statistical tables which provide a wealth of data about Bermuda’s social, demographic and economic conditions.

“This publication is an excellent tool for research, school projects, marketing initiatives and business planning.”

The Bermuda Digest of Statistics, which was first produced in 1973, showed that the total school enrolment figure of 9,696 students for 2014 set another record low.

The total number of occupied jobs fell to a 22-year low in 2014, while the value of the Island’s imports stood at $962 million.

The latest edition of the publication also details the finances of the Corporation of Hamilton and St George.

It states: “The Corporation of Hamilton deficit of $20 million was the largest it had been in the 2004 to 2014 period.

“This was largely due to the default on repayment of an $18 million loan to Mexico Infrastructure Finance; the largest component of expenditure. Taxes were the largest revenue source for the Corporation of Hamilton.

“In 2014/15, the Corporation of St George recorded its largest surplus of the past eleven years at $520,000.

“Government Transfers (Grants) and staff and office expenditures continued to be the largest sources of revenue and expenditure, respectively.”