The Changing UK Population (Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

The UK's population today

• The UK population is around 67 million people

  • This has increased steadily over the last 20–30 years due to longer life expectancy and migration

  • In the early 1990s, the population was closer to 57 million, showing significant growth over time

Gender balance

• The population is roughly evenly split between males and females

  • Females slightly outnumber males overall

  • This is mainly because women tend to live longer than men

• In older age groups, especially over 75, there are significantly more women than men

Where the population is concentrated

• Population is unevenly distributed across the UK

  • England has by far the largest population

  • Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are much less densely populated

• Most people live in urban areas

  • London is the most populated city and region

  • Other densely populated areas include the South East, West Midlands and North West

• Rural areas tend to have:

  • Smaller populations

  • Older age profiles, as younger people often move to cities for work and education

An ageing population

• People are living longer due to better healthcare and higher living standards

  • Life expectancy is around 79 years for men and 83 years for women

  • Improvements in medicine, vaccinations, housing, and nutrition have reduced early deaths

• The number of people aged 65 and over has increased rapidly

  • Around 19% of the UK population is now aged 65+

  • This compares to about 15% in the early 1990s, showing clear growth over the last 30 years

• Birth rates have generally fallen as families are having fewer children on average

  • Reasons include the cost of living, women having children later and greater access to contraception

  • Some primary schools have seen falling pupil numbers

  • The working-age population is growing more slowly

• An ageing population puts pressure on public services

  • More demand for healthcare, especially the NHS

  • Greater spending needed for pensions and social care

  • Fewer workers paying tax to support an increasing retired population

The ageing population in the UK

Ethnic and religious diversity in the UK

• Ethnic diversity refers to the range of different ethnic groups and cultures living together in a society

• Migration since the 1990s has increased ethnic diversity

  • Migration has come from EU countries, the Commonwealth and other parts of the world

  • People have migrated for work, education and safety

  • This has led to a wider mix of ethnic backgrounds across the UK

• Cities have the highest levels of ethnic diversity

  • London is the most ethnically diverse part of the UK

  • Other large cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Leicester also have high diversity

  • Rural and coastal areas tend to be less diverse

• Ethnic diversity has increased significantly over time

  • In 1991, around 6% of the UK population was from an ethnic minority background

  • Today, this is around 18%, showing a major change over three decades

• Increased diversity has contributed to cultural diversity

  • A wider range of languages, religions, food, music and traditions

  • Cultural festivals and events are more common in many communities

• Communities, schools, and workplaces have changed

  • Schools often have pupils from many different ethnic backgrounds

  • Workplaces benefit from a wider range of skills and experiences

  • Communities are more multicultural, which can encourage tolerance and mutual respect

Ethnic diversity in the UK

Religion and beliefs

• Religious diversity means having a variety of different religions and beliefs practiced by people living in the same society

• The UK is becoming more religiously diverse

  • Migration since the 1990s has increased the range of religions practised

  • Larger cities show the greatest religious diversity

Religious composition of the UK

• Christianity is still the largest religion, but it is declining

  • In 2001, about 72% of people identified as Christian

  • By 2021, this had fallen to around 47%

  • Fewer people regularly attend church compared to previous generations

• There has been growth in non-Christian religions

  • Islam is the second largest religion at around 6% of the population

  • Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism have also grown

  • Growth is linked mainly to migration and higher birth rates in some communities

• More people now say they have no religion

  • Around 38% of people identify as having no religion

  • This group has grown rapidly over the last 20 years

• Beliefs vary by age and location

  • Younger people are more likely to say they have no religion

  • Urban areas tend to be more religiously diverse than rural areas

Disability and the UK population

• The number of people living with a disability has increased over time

  • Around 1 in 5 people in the UK are disabled

  • This is partly because people are living longer, with increasing age-related disabilities

• Disability is more common in older age groups

  • Many disabilities are linked to long-term health conditions

  • An ageing population means overall disability rates are rising

• There is greater awareness and diagnosis of disability

  • Improved understanding of mental health and learning disabilities

  • More people are willing to identify as disabled than in the past

• Disability affects daily life in different ways

  • Physical disabilities affect mobility or physical health

  • Mental health conditions are a growing part of disability statistics

• Disabled people may face inequality and barriers

  • Barriers in education, employment, housing and transport

  • The Equality Act 2010 aims to protect disabled people from discrimination