Population Density in the UK

This section looks at the population density across the UK. The UK has a population of over 67 million people (as of 2020), making it one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. However, population distribution is uneven, with major cities having much higher population densities than rural areas.

Population Density by UK Country

Population density is measured as the number of people per square kilometre (people/km²). The UK’s four nations have significantly different population densities due to factors such as historical settlement patterns, geography, and economic opportunities.

England – The Most Densely Populated Nation

England has the highest population density, with approximately 430 people per km². The majority of England’s population is concentrated in urban areas, particularly in:

• London – The UK’s capital and largest city, with a population of nearly 9 million and a density exceeding 5,500 people/km² in some boroughs.
• Birmingham – The second-largest city, with a population of around 1.1 million.
• Other Major Urban Areas – Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, and Nottingham also have high population densities.

By contrast, rural areas such as Cumbria, Northumberland, and Cornwall have much lower population densities.

Scotland – Low Population Density with Remote Areas

Scotland has a much lower population density of around 70 people per km². This is because large parts of the country, particularly the Scottish Highlands and Islands, are mountainous and sparsely populated. However, most of Scotland’s population is concentrated in:

• The Central Belt – Includes Glasgow (Scotland’s largest city, ~635,000 people) and Edinburgh (the capital, ~540,000 people).
• Aberdeen and Dundee – Other significant urban centres, known for industries like oil and technology.

Wales – A Mix of Urban and Rural Areas

Wales has a population density of 150 people per km², lower than England but higher than Scotland. The most densely populated areas include:

• Cardiff (the capital) – Over 360,000 people and a major economic hub.
• Swansea and Newport – Other key urban centres.
• South Wales Valleys – Historically densely populated due to coal mining, but now experiencing economic decline.
  The rural mid-Wales region (e.g., Powys, Ceredigion) has some of the lowest population densities in the UK.

Northern Ireland – Small but Densely Populated

Northern Ireland has a population density of 135 people per km². Most of the population lives in and around:

• Belfast (the capital) – The largest city, with over 340,000 people.
• Derry/Londonderry – The second-largest city.
• Other urban areas – Such as Lisburn and Newry, have growing populations.
  Much of western Northern Ireland remains rural and sparsely populated.

Population density in the UK is highly varied, with England’s urban centres being the most crowded, while Scotland’s remote Highlands remain some of the least populated areas in Europe. These differences are influenced by geography, economic history, and infrastructure, shaping the settlement patterns we see today.