Population & Demographics
19 countersThe UK population is currently estimated at approximately 69.5 million people. Britain's population grows through a combination of natural change — births minus deaths — and net international migration, which has been at record levels since 2021. These live UK population counters are calculated from ONS annual vital statistics and international migration estimates, updated each year when new data is published.
UK Population Right Now
Births Today
Births This Year
Deaths Today
Deaths This Year
Net Migration This Year
People Arrived in UK This Year
People Left UK This Year
Marriages Today
Marriages This Year
Divorces Today
Divorces This Year
People Turning 65 Today
Population Change Since You Opened This Page
Current UK Population (2024)
Average Age in UK
Working Age Adults per Pensioner
Most Common Age in UK
ONS Projected UK Population (2034)
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on official UK government data
What is the current UK population in 2026?
The UK population is currently estimated at 69.5 million people (69,487,000), according to the ONS provisional mid-2025 estimate. The population grows through a combination of natural change (births minus deaths) and net international migration, which has been at record levels since 2021.
How many babies are born in the UK each day?
Approximately 1,789 babies are born in the UK every day, based on ONS statistics showing around 653,000 UK births in the year to 30 June 2025. This equates to roughly one birth every 48 seconds.
What is the net migration figure for the UK?
Net migration to the UK was 204,000 in the year to June 2025, according to ONS international migration statistics. This means approximately 898,000 people arrived in the UK while 693,000 left — a sharp fall from the 685,000 peak recorded in 2023. The fiscal costs of high migration — including public services, housing and asylum accommodation — contribute to government spending and the UK national debt, which now exceeds £2.99 trillion.
How many people die in the UK each day?
Around 1,640 people die in the UK every day, based on ONS mortality data showing approximately 600,000 deaths per year. This equates to roughly one death every 53 seconds. The leading causes of death are heart disease, dementia, and cancer.
What is the population of England in 2026?
England has a population of 58.8 million (ONS, mid-2025). Scotland has 5.5 million (NRS), Wales 3.2 million (ONS), and Northern Ireland around 1.9 million (NISRA).
Is the UK population growing or shrinking?
The UK population is growing, but primarily through net migration rather than natural change. The birth rate has fallen to a record low of 1.39 — well below the 2.1 replacement level. ONS projects the population will reach 72 million by 2036.
How many people are born in the UK every year?
Approximately 653,000 babies are born in the UK each year. This is down significantly from the peak of over 1 million births per year in the 1960s baby boom. The fertility rate has fallen consistently since 2012.
What is the average age of the UK population?
The median age in the UK is 40.7 years and rising. The number of people aged 65 and over has grown by 23% in the last two decades. By 2050, one in four people in the UK is projected to be over 65.
How does the UK population compare to other countries?
The UK is among the 25 most populous countries in the world at 69.5 million — now marginally larger than France (around 68.6m), well ahead of Canada (around 41m) and Australia (around 27m), but far smaller than the USA (around 342m), India and China (both about 1.4bn).
What was the UK population in previous decades?
The UK population in 1950 was 50.6 million; by 1980 it reached 56.3 million; by 2000 it was 58.9 million. Growth accelerated significantly after 2004 following EU enlargement and rising net migration.
Deep Dive Statistics
Explore detailed statistics for specific topics within this section.
UK Population by Year — Historical Data
ONS mid-year population estimates, 1950–2026.
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 50,616,000 | — |
| 1960 | 52,372,000 | +1,756,000 |
| 1970 | 55,632,000 | +3,260,000 |
| 1980 | 56,330,000 | +698,000 |
| 1990 | 57,247,000 | +917,000 |
| 2000 | 58,886,000 | +1,639,000 |
| 2005 | 60,413,000 | +1,527,000 |
| 2010 | 62,766,000 | +2,353,000 |
| 2015 | 65,110,000 | +2,344,000 |
| 2020 | 67,081,000 | +1,971,000 |
| 2023 | 67,596,000 | +515,000 |
| 2026 (est.) | 68,300,000 | +204,000 |
Source: ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates
UK Population vs Other Countries
How the UK compares to major nations by population, 2026 estimates.
| Country | Population | vs UK |
|---|---|---|
| China | 1,419,000,000 | 21× larger |
| India | 1,441,000,000 | 21× larger |
| United States | 335,000,000 | 4.9× larger |
| Germany | 84,400,000 | 1.24× larger |
| France | 68,400,000 | 1.01× larger |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 68,300,000 | — |
| Italy | 58,900,000 | 13% smaller |
| Spain | 47,400,000 | 30% smaller |
| Canada | 40,100,000 | 41% smaller |
| Australia | 26,500,000 | 61% smaller |
| Netherlands | 17,900,000 | 74% smaller |
| Scotland | 5,500,000 | 92% smaller |
| Wales | 3,200,000 | 95% smaller |
Source: UN World Population Prospects 2024 / ONS
UK Population by Nation — 2026
England dominates the UK's population, accounting for 84% of all residents. Source: ONS mid-year estimates.
| Nation | Population | % of UK | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 57,100,000 | 84% | 434 |
| Scotland | 5,500,000 | 8% | 70 |
| Wales | 3,200,000 | 5% | 148 |
| Northern Ireland | 1,900,000 | 3% | 136 |
| United Kingdom Total | 68,300,000 | 100% | 279 |
Source: ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates 2024
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Editorial articles using official UK government data