> When its government began the centenarian survey in 1963, there were 153 people aged 100 or over.
This is the comparison that makes the number standout.
> When its government began the centenarian survey in 1963, there were 153 people aged 100 or over.
This is the comparison that makes the number standout.
There might have been some event in the late 1940s that might effect the statistics of that time. Unsubstantiated claim but might be worth some research.