Page updated on 30/04/2009

In mid-2003 the UK was home to 59.6 million people. There are more people in the UK aged over 60 (12.4 million), than there are children under 16 (11.7 million). There are approximately 2 million Muslims living in the UK.

The Guardian, September 21, 2001:

* Half the ethnic minority community was born in the UK.
* Nearly 90% of south Asian children live with both their parents, compared with 40% of black children.
* Half the white population is under 38, but half the minority ethnic population is under 27.

Population Trends, Autumn 2001, ONS: The sizes and characteristics of ethnic populations of Great Britain estimates:

Per cent distribution by age
Pakistani
0 - 14 years  34%
15 - 29 years  31%
30 - 44 years  20%
Bangladeshi
0 - 14 years 40%
15 - 29 years 29 %30
33- 44 years  18%
Indian
0 - 14 years  23%
15 - 29 years  24%
30 - 44 years 27%
Gender ratios
Pakistani & Bangladeshi
Generally symmetric except for the 30 - 44 age band where there are approx 2 - 3 % and 4-5% respectively more males than females

 

The Guardian, 17 June 2002: The Muslim population of London – 1 million (total 7.2 million); Birmingham - 150,000 (total 1 million)

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