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Projected Population of Scotland (2012-based)

6. Scotland's position within the United Kingdom

6.1. The United Kingdom population is projected to increase from an estimated 64 million in 2012, reaching 68 million in 2022, rising above 70 million in 2027 and reaching 73 million by 2037. Over the 25 year period this equates to a 15 per cent increase - a slightly smaller percentage than the 17 per cent increase which was projected in the 2010-based projections.

6.2. Figure 13 illustrates the projected change in the populations of the four countries of the United Kingdom from 2012 to 2037. It shows that the populations of England and Northern Ireland are projected to grow more quickly than that of Scotland but Wales's population is projected to grow at a slower rate than Scotland's population. By 2037 England's population is projected to be 16 per cent higher than in 2012, Northern Ireland's is projected to be 10 per cent higher and Wales's 8 per cent higher. During the same period Scotland's population is projected to grow by 9 per cent.

Figure 13: Comparison of population change for UK countries, 2012-2037

Figure 13: Comparison of population change for UK countries, 2012-2037

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