United Kingdom Population
Europe & Central Asia · 22nd most populous · High income
Population right now (estimate)
69,937,617
The population of United Kingdom is about 69,937,617 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 69.8 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.84% of the world's people.
United Kingdom is the 22nd most populous of 217 countries and territories. Growth has nearly stopped: the population changes by only 0.50% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 74.9 million. Since 1960 (52.4 million) it has grown by 33%. Population density is 289 people per square kilometre. 83% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
69.8 million
Yearly change
+0.50%
World rank
22nd
Share of world
0.84%
Density
289/km²
Land area
241,930 km²
Life expectancy
81.4 yrs
Births per woman
1.55
GDP per capita
$57,602
GDP
$4.00T
Population of United Kingdom, 1960–2050
United Kingdom population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 52,400,000 | — | 217 |
| 1970 | 55,663,250 | +0.40% | 230 |
| 1980 | 56,314,216 | +0.12% | 233 |
| 1990 | 57,247,586 | +0.30% | 237 |
| 2000 | 58,892,514 | +0.36% | 243 |
| 2010 | 62,766,365 | +0.79% | 259 |
| 2020 | 66,740,000 | +0.17% | 276 |
| 2024 | 69,281,000 | +1.10% | 286 |
| 2026proj. | 69,833,560 | +0.50% | 289 |
| 2030proj. | 71,056,904 | +0.41% | 294 |
| 2040proj. | 73,358,856 | +0.27% | 303 |
| 2050proj. | 74,926,000 | +0.14% | 310 |
United Kingdom vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 2.5 times as many people as United Kingdom. Bangladesh is 4.7 times more densely populated.
United Kingdom population: questions and answers
What is the population of United Kingdom in 2026?
About 69,833,560 (69.8 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is United Kingdom's population growing?
Yes, by about 0.50% a year (2026).
What is the population density of United Kingdom?
About 289 people per km², with a land area of 241,930 km².
What will the population of United Kingdom be in 2050?
About 74.9 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of United Kingdom?
London.
What is the life expectancy in United Kingdom?
81.4 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.