What is the population of United Kingdom in 2026?
United Kingdom has a population of 69,487,000 people (2025 estimate), which is 22nd in the world and about 0.84% of the global total.
Officially United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Population 2025
69,487,000
0.84% of world population
World Bank, 2025Annual Growth
+0.30%
+206,376 people a year
World Bank, 2025Density
283/km²
241,930 km² land area
World Bank, 2023Median Age
40.1 years
Life expectancy 81.4 years
Our World in Data, 2025About United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a sovereign country comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is the 22nd-most populous nation and has the sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP. The UK was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and the center of the largest empire in history. Today, it remains a great power with significant economic, cultural, political, scientific, and military influence. London is one of the world's leading financial centers.
Country Facts
- Capital
- London
- Continent
- Europe
- ISO codes
- GB · GBR
- Demonym
- British
- Currency
- British pound (GBP £)
- Government
- Constitutional monarchy, Parliamentary monarchy, Unitary state
- State inception
- 1801
- Driving side
- Left
- Calling code
- +44
- Internet TLD
- .uk
- Land neighbours
- 1
Languages
- English
Religions
- Christianity (59%)
- None (32%)
- Islam (5%)
- Hinduism (1.5%)
- Sikhism (0.8%)
- Judaism (0.4%)
Demographics
The UK population is aging with a median age of 40.5 years. Immigration has been the primary driver of population growth, with significant communities from South Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe. London is one of the world's most diverse cities, with over 300 languages spoken. About 84% of the population lives in urban areas, concentrated in cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
Economy
The UK has a highly developed mixed economy, dominated by services (especially finance). London is a global financial capital, hosting the world's largest currency trading market. Other key sectors include aerospace, pharmaceuticals, automotive, creative industries, and technology. The UK struggles with regional inequality, with London and Southeast England significantly wealthier than other regions. Post-Brexit trade arrangements continue to evolve.
Major exports
- Machinery
- Automobiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Precious metals
- Crude petroleum
- Aircraft
- Financial services
Major imports
- Machinery
- Automobiles
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Gold
- Crude petroleum
Health
Education
Environment
Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Geography
The UK comprises the island of Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and Northern Ireland on the island of Ireland, plus numerous smaller islands. Landscapes include the Scottish Highlands, Lake District, Welsh mountains, and English lowlands. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild temperatures and frequent rainfall. The UK is bounded by the North Sea, English Channel, Celtic Sea, and Atlantic Ocean.
Natural resources
- Coal
- Petroleum
- Natural gas
- Iron ore
- Lead
- Zinc
- Gold
- Tin
- Limestone
- Salt
- Chalk
- Gypsum
- Potash
- Sand and gravel
- Arable land
Climate
- Temperate Maritime
Military
Age & Gender Distribution
Population by five-year age band, UN World Population Prospects 2024.
Male Female
- Age 0–14
- 17.2%
- Age 15–64
- 63.3%
- Age 65+
- 19.5%
| Age band | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ | 3,594 | 14,353 |
| 95-99 | 38,444 | 95,856 |
| 90-94 | 182,305 | 322,582 |
| 85-89 | 480,577 | 675,437 |
| 80-84 | 809,615 | 1,036,055 |
| 75-79 | 1,374,948 | 1,569,451 |
| 70-74 | 1,508,721 | 1,703,958 |
| 65-69 | 1,749,652 | 1,916,236 |
| 60-64 | 1,997,146 | 2,164,787 |
| 55-59 | 2,184,119 | 2,373,809 |
| 50-54 | 2,230,750 | 2,316,622 |
| 45-49 | 2,063,913 | 2,090,762 |
| 40-44 | 2,247,446 | 2,298,997 |
| 35-39 | 2,257,512 | 2,299,715 |
| 30-34 | 2,388,372 | 2,325,627 |
| 25-29 | 2,286,488 | 2,165,137 |
| 20-24 | 2,044,544 | 1,933,784 |
| 15-19 | 2,103,796 | 2,001,649 |
| 10-14 | 2,199,703 | 2,094,002 |
| 5-9 | 2,072,316 | 1,967,173 |
| 0-4 | 1,820,530 | 1,727,707 |
Population History & Projection (1950–2100)
Observed population to 2024, then the UN medium-variant projection.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 50,121,017 |
| 1960 | 52,538,548 |
| 1970 | 55,663,801 |
| 1980 | 56,282,103 |
| 1990 | 57,367,862 |
| 2000 | 59,057,338 |
| 2010 | 63,006,483 |
| 2020 | 67,351,861 |
| 2030 | 71,286,992 |
| 2040 | 73,774,626 |
| 2050 | 75,504,681 |
| 2060 | 76,010,356 |
| 2070 | 76,049,084 |
| 2080 | 75,956,251 |
| 2090 | 75,378,279 |
| 2100 | 74,305,411 |
History
The UK's history includes the Norman Conquest (1066), Magna Carta (1215), the union of England and Scotland (1707), and the expansion of the British Empire across all continents. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain, transforming global society. Britain led the Allied powers in both World Wars. Post-war decolonization ended the empire but established the Commonwealth of Nations. The UK joined the European Community in 1973 and left the EU in 2020 (Brexit).
Culture
British culture has global reach through the English language, parliamentary democracy, common law, literature (Shakespeare, Dickens, Rowling), and music (The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Adele). The Premier League is the world's most-watched sports league. The BBC is a major global broadcaster. British universities (Oxford, Cambridge) are among the world's most prestigious. Pub culture, tea drinking, and dry humor are distinctive cultural features.
Current Challenges
The UK faces challenges from Brexit-related economic adjustment, regional inequality, an aging population, and housing affordability. The National Health Service (NHS) faces funding and staffing pressures. Scottish independence and Northern Ireland's constitutional position remain political issues. Climate change requires significant infrastructure adaptation, particularly for flood risk and heat management.
Future Outlook
The UK seeks to establish new trade relationships and position itself as 'Global Britain.' Investments in green energy, technology, and life sciences aim to drive growth. Population is projected to reach 73 million by 2050. The country faces decisions about its union structure, economic model, and global role as it navigates its post-Brexit identity.
Highlights
What United Kingdom Is Known For
- Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
- Home to 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- English language spoken by 1.5 billion people worldwide
- World's oldest constitutional monarchy
- Published more book titles per year than any other country
Interesting Facts About United Kingdom
- The UK invented football (soccer), rugby, cricket, golf, and tennis
- Big Ben is actually the name of the bell, not the clock tower
- The London Underground was the world's first underground railway (1863)
- The Royal Mail issued the first adhesive postage stamp in 1840
- It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament
- The Queen's handbag contains no makeup—just dog treats and crossword puzzles
- Stonehenge predates the Egyptian pyramids
How United Kingdom Compares
Population against the ten most populous countries.
- India1.46B
- China1.41B
- United States341.8M
- Indonesia285.7M
- Pakistan255.2M
- Nigeria237.5M
- Brazil212.8M
- Bangladesh175.7M
- Russia143.5M
- Ethiopia135.5M
- United Kingdom69.5M
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 1.46B |
| China | 1.41B |
| United States | 341.8M |
| Indonesia | 285.7M |
| Pakistan | 255.2M |
| Nigeria | 237.5M |
| Brazil | 212.8M |
| Bangladesh | 175.7M |
| Russia | 143.5M |
| Ethiopia | 135.5M |
| United Kingdom | 69.5M |
Major Cities in United Kingdom
3 metropolitan areas in our city dataset.
- London9.54M · +0.45%
- Birmingham2.92M · +0.55%
- Manchester2.73M · +0.45%
Countries Bordering United Kingdom
1 land border.
- Ireland5.48M · +1.63%
United Kingdom Population FAQ
Is the population of United Kingdom growing or shrinking?
United Kingdom's population is growing at +0.30% per year, a change of roughly 206,376 people annually.
What is the capital of United Kingdom?
The capital of United Kingdom is London.
What is the largest city in United Kingdom?
London is the largest metropolitan area in United Kingdom, with about 9.54M people.
How densely populated is United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has 283/km² across 241,930 km² of land area.
What is life expectancy in United Kingdom?
Life expectancy at birth in United Kingdom is 81.4 years (2024).
What is the median age in United Kingdom?
The median age in United Kingdom is 40.1 years, meaning half the population is younger than that and half older.
Which continent is United Kingdom in?
United Kingdom is in Europe.