ULAN BATOR, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- A total of 116 people aged 100 years or older are living in Mongolia, including the oldest woman at age 112, according to data released by country's National Statistics Office Saturday.

The number of people aged 100 years or older decreased by 5 compared to the same period last year, the statistical agency said.

Of the centenarians, 102 are female, in the Asian country of 3.2 million people, the agency said.

The census was conducted on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year or Year of the Pig, known locally as the White Moon, which symbolizes the start of spring and the end of winter.

According to the lunar calendar, the White Moon this year begins on Feb. 5, which is also regarded as traditional holiday to pay respect to seniors. During the holiday, the government traditionally sends gifts to people aged 100 years or older.