WIREDGOV

Population growth is “major achievement”.

An independent Scotland could grow its working age population by encouraging young people to build their lives and careers within Scotland and supporting policies that attract people to live in Scotland.

The 2011 Census revealed that Scotland’s population is now at its highest ever level. Introducing a Parliamentary Debate on Scotland’s census results yeserday, Culture and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“Across a range of household measurements, the census reveals a fascinating picture of Scotland today. Among the most valuable information gathered is that related to demographic trends.

“Developed countries across the world face demographic pressures and Scotland is no different in that respect. The latest projections suggest both that Scotland’s workforce will not grow as rapidly as the UK as a whole and that Scotland is not being well served by Westminster policy.

“As a key driver of sustainable economic growth, achieving population growth – particularly among those of working age – is arguably one of the most significant tasks facing Scotland and other advanced economies.

“Boosting Scotland’s population has been a priority for successive administrations since 1999. The results of the census allow us to judge how well we are doing. The large growth between the last censuses is a major achievement for our country.”

Notes to editors

The 2011 Census was the first time that the number of people aged over 65 years was greater than the number aged 15 and under. Between 2012 and 2037, the number of people over state pension age is projected to increase by 27 per cent.

The 2011 Census marked the 150^th anniversary since the National Records of Scotland, formerly the General Register Office for Scotland, took responsibility for organising the census in Scotland. The census was carried out at the same time as (but independently from) the censuses in the rest of the UK. The Scottish Parliament decided which questions should be asked in Scotland.

To date, there have been six releases of data from the 2011 Census by the National Records of Scotland. The data covers population and household characteristics, ethnicity, identity, religion, language, health, housing, education and labour market. Information on these topics is available from national down to local level.

These results are available at http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/en/censusresults/

The growth between the 2001 and 2011 censuses of almost 5 per cent, was the largest increase between 2 censuses in 100 years.

Some of that was due to natural increase – there were more births than deaths – but much of it was due to net migration to Scotland.

Census figures form the basis of annual population figures and projections. The latest set of projections published by the National Records of Scotland last month show that the population increase is expected to continue, by nine per cent over the next 25 years, with almost three quarters of that growth coming from net migration.