The UK experiences its highest annual population growth since 1962

The population of the UK was 62.3 million in mid-2010, up 470,000 (0.8 per cent) on the previous year; the highest annual growth rate since mid-1962 reveals the Office for National Statistics.

The Annual Mid-year Population Estimates for 2010, published on the 30th June 2011, show that since 2001 the UK population has increased by an average of 0.6% per year, compared with 0.3% per year between 1991 and 2001.

Natural Change (the difference between births and deaths) accounted for 52 per cent of population growth over the year to mid-2010, the third successive year that it has contributed more than net long-term international migration (the difference between long-term migration into and out of the UK), say the Office for National Statistics.

Professor Jane Falkingham, Director of the ESRC Centre for Population Change has commented on the trends behind these figures. To listen to her explanation of the causes behind the 2010 mid-year high, click on the links below.

Radio 5 Live - Interview 30th June 2011

Radio 4 - Interview 2nd July 2011

Commenting on these statistics, Jane also appeared on the Channel 4 News and the BBC News at 10 on 30th June 2011.

To read more about the Office for national Statistics Mid-year Estimates read the ONS Statistical Bulletin, click here for ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates Frequently Asked Questions and here for more about Population Estimates on the ONS website.

A short presentation on the estimates can be found on the ONS You Tube Channel.

Posted 05/07/2011 11:34