Where people live
26% live in London and South East
Population size: by country and government office region, UK, 2004
The South East of England was the region of the UK with the largest population, with 8.1 million residents in 2004, followed by London, which was home to 7.4 million people. Over a quarter (26 per cent) of the population was resident in London and the South East combined. This is despite these two regions together covering less than a tenth of the UK’s land area. The North West had the third largest population with 6.8 million residents.
Northern Ireland had the smallest population in 2004, with 1.7 million people. It also had the youngest population, with over 22 per cent aged under 16. This above average proportion of children is one reason for Northern Ireland having the highest average household size in the UK and the lowest proportion of one-person households in 2001. Northern Ireland had an average household size of 2.65 people compared with 2.37 in Wales, 2.36 in England and 2.27 people in Scotland
Population density: by country and government office region, UK, 2004
The London region stands out from other parts of the UK in several respects. It has by far the highest population density, with an average of 4,726 people per square kilometre in 2004. This makes it nearly ten times more densely populated than the North West, the region with the second highest concentration of people (484 per square kilometre).
Compared with those living in other regions, people resident in London are more likely to be living alone, privately renting their accommodation and working in service industries. London is also home to the highest proportion of people from non-White ethnic groups – 29 per cent of its population, compared with 8 per cent in the UK as a whole.
Scotland has the lowest population density of the constituent countries and English regions. In 2004 there were 65 people per square kilometre in Scotland. Eight out of the ten local authority districts with the lowest population densities in the UK were also in Scotland. The Highland district, with 8 people per square kilometre, was the most sparsely populated in the UK.
Scotland also has a lower proportion of children than other parts of the UK. Only 18.4 per cent of its population was aged under 16 in 2004, compared with the UK average of 19.5 per cent. Scotland had the second highest proportion of households containing only one person (32.9 per cent in 2001). Both these factors account for Scotland having the lowest average household size (2.27) of the UK countries and English regions.
Sources: Population estimates, Office for National Statistics; General Register Office for Scotland; Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency
Notes: Regions here refer to Government Office Regions in England. Countries refer to the four constituent countries of the UK.
Population estimates refer to the mid-year point, i.e. June 30th of the year stated.
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