Life in the UK Test
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The population of the UK

Study note

The population of the UK has grown steadily over time and now stands at well over 60 million. Two main reasons for this growth are migration into the UK and longer life expectancy, as people are living longer than they used to. As a result, there is now a record number of people aged 85 and over, which means the population is also ageing.

The population is not spread evenly across the four nations. By far the largest share lives in England, which makes up about 84 per cent of the UK total. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have much smaller shares. So for this topic, remember that migration and longer life expectancy have both driven population growth, and that England holds about 84 per cent of the population.

Memory tip: Population growing (migration and longer lives); England is about 84 per cent of the total.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 3

Roughly what share of the UK population lives in England?

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Show all questions and answers for The population of the UK(3 questions with explanations)

The population of the UK: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Roughly what share of the UK population lives in England?

    • About 8 per cent
    • About 25 per cent
    • About 50 per cent
    • About 84 per cent

    Correct answer: About 84 per cent

    England makes up about 84 per cent of the UK population.

  2. 2. Migration into the UK and longer life expectancy have both contributed to population growth.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Migration and longer life expectancy have both played a part in population growth.

  3. 3. Which of these statements is correct?

    • England makes up about 84 per cent of the UK population
    • England makes up about 8 per cent of the UK population

    Correct answer: England makes up about 84 per cent of the UK population

    England makes up about 84 per cent of the UK population.

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