United Kingdom: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to United Kingdom — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
66,488,991
#22 of 197 countries
Area
243,610 km²
#81 of 248 countries
Density
272.9 / km²
#51 of 245 countries

United Kingdom has a population of 66,488,991 spread across 243,610 km², giving it an average density of 272.9 people per km². This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.

Most Populous Cities

London
8,961,989
4180 / km²
Edinburgh
514,990
1700 / km²
Cardiff
372,089
1075 / km²
Belfast
348,005
1879 / km²
Birkenhead
325,264
813 / km²
Brighton
277,103
5988 / km²
Crawley
180,508
1226 / km²
Mansfield
171,958
1287 / km²
Poole
150,092
2979 / km²
Basildon
144,859
2229 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
40.9
Life Expectancy
82.2 yrs
Government
parliamentary constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. United Kingdom is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 83% of US levels, meaning costs are comparable to the United States.

Income Level
High income
GDP per Capita
$49,944
Cost of Living
83% of US
Inflation
6.8%
Inequality
32.4
Moderate