The city’s demographic challenges deepened in the second quarter of this year as the number of births fell to a record low, according to data released by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). Of the 650 births registered in the second quarter, 320 were male and 330 were female. Despite the negative natural increase, Macau’s total population stood at 686,500 at the end of the second quarter – a slight 0.2% dip from the previous quarter but a 26.6% increase year-over-year. Marriage and residency trendsThe number of marriages registered in the second quarter fell sharply, with 633 unions recorded – a 22.2% decline from the previous quarter. On the immigration front, 271 new residence permits were granted during the quarter, marking a 35.5% increase from the previous quarter.