U.K.: Population, by region
RegionEstimated mid-year population
South East9,294,023
London8,796,628
North West7,422,295
East England6,348,096
West Midlands5,954,240
South West5,712,840
Yorkshire and the Humber5,481,431
Scotland5,479,900
East Midlands4,880,094
Wales3,105,410
North East2,646,772
Northern Ireland1,904,563
  • Region: United Kingdom
  • Time period: 2021
  • Published: Dec 2022

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Population distribution by region

The South East holds the highest estimated mid-year population with 9,294,023 people, closely followed by London with 8,796,628. These two regions together account for a significant portion of the UK's population, illustrating a concentration of people in the southern regions of the country.

Contrast in population sizes

Comparatively, the Northern Ireland region has the lowest estimated mid-year population at 1,904,563, showcasing a stark contrast with the more densely populated South East and London. This discrepancy highlights the varying degrees of urbanization and density across the UK's regions.

Scotland and Wales population

Scotland and Wales have populations of 5,479,900 and 3,105,410 respectively. Despite Scotland's larger geographical area, its population is not much higher than that of the smaller regions in England, indicating a lower population density in Scotland compared to England's more populated regions.

Population density variation

Regions like the North East and East Midlands have populations of 2,646,772 and 4,880,094 respectively, reflecting the wide variation in population density across the UK. This variation affects everything from infrastructure needs to public services and economic opportunities.

England's regional population spread

Within England, the distribution spans from the South East with the highest population to the North East with the lowest among the listed regions. This spread evidences the economic and social gradient from south to north, with implications for regional development strategies and policy planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which regions in the UK have the highest estimated mid-year population?

The South East and London hold the highest estimated mid-year population with 9,294,023 and 8,796,628 people respectively.

Which region in the UK has the lowest estimated mid-year population?

The Northern Ireland region has the lowest estimated mid-year population at 1,904,563.

Which region has the lowest population within England?

The North East region has the lowest population within England, with a total of 2,646,772 people.

Terms and Definitions

This refers to the total number of people living in the United Kingdom, which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK population includes citizens of all ages and backgrounds.

This term refers to the geographic distribution or spread of a nation's population across its various regions. For the UK, it denotes the spread of the population across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland as well as their respective sub-regions.

A region in the context of the UK refers to an area distinguished by its administrative, political boundaries or geographical features. The UK consists of regions in two tiers - nations like England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and subdivisions within these like the 9 regions of England.

Population density relates to the number of people living in a specific geographical unit of area, such as a square mile. Higher population density often relates to urban areas, while rural ones tend to have a lower density.

Urban population refers to those living in towns and cities. These areas are generally characterized by a higher population density, more infrastructure, and a wide range of services, including public transportation, education, and healthcare facilities.

Rural population refers to those living in non-urban areas where the population is sparser and the infrastructure and service provisions may be less comprehensive compared to urban regions.

Demographics cover statistical data about the characteristics of a population such as age, gender, employment status, income level, education, ethnicity, and other factors. In UK regional population distribution, demographics help to provide a more detailed understanding of the population spread.

Population growth rate refers to the change in population size over a specific period, typically calculated annually. It can be influenced by factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.
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Demography studies the characteristics of human populations, including aspects such as birth rate, death rate, migration, and how these elements can influence societal structure and development. Read more »