The population distribution of the UK is very uneven. The relief (change in the height of the land) affects where most people live. Many of the major cities have developed into conurbations -- towns that have merged to form continuous urban areas. These areas have the highest population density. Upland regions such as the north of Scotland are sparsely populated -- they are difficult to farm and have few natural resources. Many coastal areas have attracted human settlement -- especially where there are sheltered bays and river estuaries suitable for building harbours. Key ports (e.g. Liverpool and Cardiff) have grown into major cities. Mineral wealth (especially of coal and iron ore) has often led to rapid population growth because this was where industries developed. Many of the UK's cities developed on major coalfields, e.g. Newcastle and Leeds. Most urban areas developed in lowland areas (e.g. Birmingham) -- they are easier to build on and the climate is milder than upland areas. London is the UK's biggest city -- it has around 9 million people, which is about 16% of the UK's total population. It is the national capital and has many industries (e.g. it is a global financial centre).
Key Terms
Conurbation — Towns that have merged to form continuous urban areas.
Population distribution — The way in which people are spread across an area.
UK Population Density Map
A map of the UK showing population density in hundreds per km squared. Highest density (23.7+) concentrated around major cities: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff, Liverpool. Medium density (3.3-23.7) surrounds these urban centres. Low density (0-3.3) covers upland areas of Scotland, Wales, and rural England.
23.7+ (highest density)3.3 - 23.7 (medium density)0 - 3.3 (lowest density)