Spatial diversification of the demographic situation in Great Britain and its determinants

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main aim of this article is the study of the assessment of the population situation and its changes in UK NUTS 2 regions in the years 2002-2018.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The methods of literature analysis, and descriptive statistics were used. The analysis covered such variables as total population change, natural change of population, net migration and demographic aging index.

FINDINGS: To sum up, the presented analysis shows that there are positive demographic trends in economically strong agglomerations and their vicinity. This was primarily due to the intensive influx of immigrants, reinforced by their high birth rate. An unfavorable demographic situation occurred in peripheral regions, especially those strongly related to agriculture, where the population is aging rapidly. These regions will develop more and more slowly, which will result in increased regional economic polarization in Great Britain.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The difficult demographic situation of peripheral regions will constitute another barrier to their economic development.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study contributes to the discussion on the spatial differentiation of the level of demographic situation in the United Kingdom.