Island expecting population jump

The figures will help the government plan services

The Isle of Man's population has risen by about 2,000 in the past five years, a census is expected to reveal.

An interim census is being carried out by the Manx government which needs to be filled out by the end of April.

The data will provide information used by the government for planning services such as health and education.

Stephen Carse, head of the Treasury's Economic Affairs Division, said the new figures could mean significant changes for government planning.

Steady increase

"Our best estimate is that we'll find the population will be about 2,000 up on what it was five years ago," said Mr Carse.

"Perhaps one of the most significant figures we expect to find is the number of people of retirement age.

"After a decade of [the figure] being in decline it will be found to have started to increase again, with obvious implications for certain things government does in terms of health services and so on."

Latest estimates say the island's population stands at about 78,000 following a steady increase in recent years.