Scotland’s population reaches record levels

National_Records_of_ScotlandScotland’s population reached its highest ever total in 2014, new statistics have shown.

Figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show that the estimated population of Scotland was 5,347,600 in mid-2014.

The figures show a rise of 19,900 (0.4 per cent) people since mid-2013.

The population increased because approximately 3,500 more people were born than died, and because in-migration which includes people from the rest of the UK exceeded out-migration by approximately 17,600 between mid-2013 and mid-2014. Other changes, such as in armed forces and prisoners, resulted in a loss of approximately 1,200 people.

Between mid-2013 and mid-2014, approximately 49,240 people came to Scotland from the rest of the UK, and approximately 39,660 left Scotland to go in the opposite direction, giving a net migration gain of approximately 9,600.

Between mid-2013 and mid-2014, 33,200 people came to Scotland from overseas and 25,200 left Scotland to go overseas giving a net migration gain of 8,000, which represents about 1 in 700 (0.14 per cent) of the total population.

Other key facts:

  • Migrants to Scotland tended to be younger than the general population
  • The average age of Scotland’s population was lower in the big city areas than in more rural council areas
  • The population in 23 council areas has increased while in nine council areas the population has decreased
  • On average, in mid-2014 there were 69 people per square kilometre in Scotland, ranging from nine people per square kilometre in Eilean Siar and Highland to 3,433 people per square kilometre in Glasgow City Council area.
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