The RMK's National Statistics Service reports that there were 232 births registered in the country for the month of January, 2009. This compares to 204 births for the same month in 2008. In January, 2009, 104 deaths were reported, a drop of 47 cases, in comparison to January, 2008. Thus, the country experienced a rise in population due to natural causes of 128 individuals. 21 marriages were registered during the first month of 2009, a drop of 685 when compared to January of 2008. Registered divorces stood at 8 for January, 2009, in comparison to 12 for the same month in 2008. The drastic rise in marriages for January, 2008, can be accounted for by the 300,000 dram one-time government award given to newlywed couples that was started during that month. Many who had tied the knot before then officially registered their married status as of January, 2008.