London's estimated
population of
9,648,110 makes it the most
populous city in the UK, significantly outpacing the second-ranked Manchester, which has an estimated population of
2,791,005. This gap highlights London's central role in the UK's urban landscape and its disproportionate size compared to other cities.
Northern Cities' Prominence
Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds / Bradford collectively contribute to the North's urban
density with populations exceeding
2 million for Manchester and Birmingham and nearly
2 million for Leeds / Bradford. Their significant populations underline the North of
England's importance in the UK's overall
urban population distribution.
Glasgow as Scotland's Largest City
Glasgow stands out as the largest city in Scotland with an estimated population of
1,698,088. It surpasses Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, which has a population of
553,569, demonstrating Glasgow's leading position in Scottish urban areas.
Coastal Cities' Population
Southampton / Portsmouth and Brighton, with populations of
951,531 and
622,480 respectively, are notable for being the most populous coastal cities in the UK. Their significant populations reflect the importance of coastal locations in the UK's urban hierarchy.
Variety in City Sizes
The range in city sizes is vast, with the smallest city in the top 20, Stoke-on-Trent, having an estimated population of
391,927, compared to London's
9,648,110. This diversity indicates a wide variance in urban scale and density across the UK.