Attainment Target F3.2

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Population Growth

The results of the 2001 census of the UK have just been published, and some interesting facts are emerging. The population of the UK is now 58,789,194, an increase of 2,322,000 since the 1991 census. Although that is an increase, it is a smaller increase than before, meaning that the growth of the UK population is slowing. In Scotland, however, the population is now 5,062,011, which represents a fall in population of 2%.

Why is the population of Scotland falling?

There are several reasons.

• First, Scottish people (especially young people between 20 and 30) are leaving for work in England or overseas.



• Secondly, there are now more old people than ever before. The percentage of people over 80 is now five times what it was in 1951. That means less people of child-bearing age in the population.



• Thirdly, immigration to Scotland is disproportionally smaller than other places in Britain. Most immigrants to the UK either stay in London or head for English cities with large immigrant communities. Scotland's missing population is not replaced.



• Fourthly, people are choosing to have less babies for economic reasons. The fewer children you have, the better off you are.



• Fifthly, women can control their fertility now better than ever before. They are having babies later in life, and marrying later, leaving less time available.

In contrast, the population of India, according to the 2001 Indian government census is over 838,000,000 and rising at a rate of nearly 3% per year. Why is this? Surely in a relatively poor country, the population should fall? However, if we compare the factors I have outlined above to the Indian situation, we can see that it is not really surprising.

• First, emigration from India is much less common. Most Indian people can't afford to emigrate, and unlike us moving to England with no restrictions, it is very difficult to get permission to emigrate to England.



• Secondly, there are many more young people in India, partly due to the lower life expectancy. This means there are more people of child-bearing age.



• Immigration to India is not a factor.



• Fourthly, in poor countries like India, it is seen as economically sensible to have many children. They can work and make money, and look after you when you are old.



• Fifthly, women in India often have little or no access to contraception and so it is more difficult for them to control their fertility.

These are some of the reasons for the differences in population growth between Scotland and India.