Distribution of Population & Cities in the UK
- Distribution of the UK population is uneven
- The highest population densities are found within the major cities, which tend to be located in flat, low-lying parts of the country, particularly on the coast or near major rivers
- The fastest growing cities are in the southeast of England, where many cities have developed into conurbations
- This is also the region with the fastest growing economy at present
- In the past mineral wealth (e.g. coal, lead, tin and iron ore) led to many cities developing near them e.g. coalmines of Newcastle, leading to rapid population growth
- Population density is affected by relief as it harder to develop on mountainous terrain than lowland areas such as Birmingham, London and Cardiff
- Certain coastal areas have a higher population density distribution particularly where estuaries are sheltered allowing key ports and harbours to be built
- Fishing ports of Grimsby, Whitby (England) and Portavogie in Northern Ireland
- Liverpool, Bristol, and Southampton as key trade ports
- London is not only the capital but is the UK’s biggest city with 9.5 million people and a global financial centre
- Birmingham is the second largest city with a population of 1.1 million
Major cities of the UK
Population within cities
- Within city boundaries the distribution of people is more complex and based on past events
- All towns and cities tend to grow outwards, from a historic centre or core to an urban fringe
- Each zone grew due to the needs of the city during its development, over time
- As a general rule, all towns and cities, regardless of place or level of development, show the same four features:
- A central core: the oldest part of a city with features such as:
- Low residential population
- The central business district (CBD) e.g. banks, retail and commercial offices
- Multi-storey development, with vertical growth rather than horizontal due to lack of space
- An inner-city zone:
- Older, compact, terraced 'worker' housing to support a growing population density
- Surrounded by older industrial areas
- A suburban zone: residential area:
- Emergence of segregated residential zones based on wealth, ethnicity, choice or government policy (e.g. social housing)
- Semi and detached housing with gardens
- Smaller retail premises
- An urban fringe: outer edges of the city:
- Housing is clustered into estates, which increases 'spot' density
- Countryside is eroded through the urban spread/sprawl
- Some industrial land uses
- Accessibility is best
Urban process timeline
Urban process timeline
- Urban settlements first appear as a result of agglomeration:
- People gather together in one area to sell goods and live
- Small trading posts and villages begin to develop
- As towns grow, they expand outwards by a process known as suburbanisation:
- This adds to the built-up area, but the building densities are generally lower than in the older parts of the town
- The new suburbs are made up of mostly houses but also include places of employment and services
- Urban settlements continue to prosper and grow, and people move out of the town or city altogether and commute to work:
- These are called commuter settlements because many residents only sleep there and travel into work
- They continue to have links with the town or city they have left
- They still make use of urban services, shops, education, and healthcare