Scotland: Total Population, by year
YearEstimated mid-year population
20215,479,900
20205,466,000
20195,463,300
20185,438,100
20175,424,800
20165,404,700
20155,373,000
20145,347,600
20135,327,700
20125,313,600
20115,299,900
20105,262,200
20095,231,900
20085,202,900
20075,170,000
20065,133,100
20055,110,200
20045,084,300
20035,068,500
20025,066,000
20015,064,200
20005,062,900
19995,072,000
19985,077,100
19975,083,300
19965,092,200
19955,103,700
19945,102,200
19935,092,500
19925,085,600
19915,083,300
19905,081,300
19895,078,200
19885,077,400
19875,099,000
19865,111,800
19855,127,900
19845,138,900
19835,148,100
19825,164,500
19815,180,200
19805,193,900
19795,203,600
19785,212,300
19775,226,200
19765,233,400
19755,232,400
19745,240,800
19735,233,900
19725,230,600
19715,235,600
  • Region: Scotland (United Kingdom)
  • Time period: 1971 to 2021
  • Published: Dec 2022

Data Analysis and Insights

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

Population Growth from 1971 to 2021

Scotland's estimated mid-year population experienced a growth of 246,300 people over the 50-year period from 1971 to 2021, increasing from 5,235,600 to 5,479,900. This indicates a moderate long-term growth trend.

Decade of Highest Growth

The decade from 2011 to 2021 witnessed the highest population increase, with a growth of 490,000 people, moving from an estimated 5,299,900 to 5,479,900. This period represents the most significant demographic expansion.

Period of Population Decline

Between 1975 and 2000, Scotland saw its population decrease by 22,500 people, from an estimated 5,232,400 in 1975 to 5,062,900 in 2000, highlighting a period of demographic contraction.

Recovery and Growth Post-2000

After a period of decline, the population began to recover, growing by 417,000 people from 2000 to 2021, indicating a strong rebound from 5,062,900 to 5,479,900.

Stable Growth in Recent Years

In the most recent decade, from 2011 to 2021, the population of Scotland showed a consistent annual growth, with an average increase of approximately 49,000 people per year, demonstrating steady demographic development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the total population growth in Scotland from 1971 to 2021?

The total population growth in Scotland from 1971 to 2021 was 246,300.

When did Scotland experience the highest population growth?

Scotland experienced the highest population growth from 2011 to 2021, with an increase of 490,000 people.

What was the average annual population growth rate in Scotland from 2011 to 2021?

From 2011 to 2021, Scotland's average annual population growth rate was approximately 49,000 people per year.

Terms and Definitions

Population refers to all the inhabitants of a specific area with permanent residence. It includes everyone of all age groups, genders, socioeconomic statuses, and ethnicities living within the defined region.

Population Analysis is a multidisciplinary study that gauges the size, composition, and distribution of a population. It identifies the major trends and predicts the likely changes in the future. Elements of population analysis can include fertility, mortality, migration, and age distribution.

A population trend refers to the direction or course of the population changes over a specific period. This includes changes in total population numbers as well as changes in specific demographic groups.

Demographics represent specific statistical data about the characteristics of a population, such as age, sex, employment status, income level, education level, and racial or ethnic group. Demographics are often used in social sciences, marketing, and government for policy implementation.

Migration refers to the movement of people from one geographical area to another, with the intention of settling down temporarily or permanently in the new location. Migration affects the population of a region by either increasing it (immigration) or decreasing it (emigration).

The fertility rate is a measure that indicates the number of live births per a specific number of women in the childbearing age in a population, usually per thousand women. It's an important aspect of population growth analysis.

The mortality rate is a measure used to determine the number of deaths in a particular population, scaled to the size of that population per a particular time period. It is often calculated per 1000 individuals.

Life expectancy is the average number of years a person is expected to live based on their current age and demographic factors. It is often used as a measure of the overall health of a population.
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