Urbanisation in the UK (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)

Revision Note

Flashcards
Jacque Cartwright

Written by: Jacque Cartwright

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Urban Populations in the UK

  • The distribution of the UK population is uneven 

  • The average population density is 281 people per km2

  • In urban areas, such as London, Brighton and Luton, this increases to over 5000 people per km2

  • In most rural areas, it decreases to fewer than 50 people per km2

uk-population-density

UK population density in km2

  • The most populous region is the south-east of England, with cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester and areas with attractions, employment and entertainment

  • The lowest density is found in Northern Scotland due to its mountainous landscape and unpredictable climate

  • Much of the rest of the UK has a higher density population due to its gentle hills, moderate climate and excellent transport links

Major cities of the UK

Major cities of the UK

Varying Rates of Urbanisation in the UK

  • 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

  • London is not only the capital but also 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

  • Population distribution is affected by relief

    • It is 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

population-distribution

Distribution of the UK's Population

Factors Affecting Population Densities

Factor

Density

Example

Favourable/moderate climate

High

South England

Opportunities for employment

Very high

Major cites

Remote and poor communications

Low

Mid Wales, Northern England, parts of Ireland and Scotland

Fertile and suitable land for agriculture

High

East Anglia and south England

Mountainous and inaccessible

Low

Wales, Scotland and England

Poor soil quality 

Low

Uplands of the north and west of England

Availability of raw materials

High

Sand and clay are widely available

Reliable supply of water

Very high

Wales

Flat land

Very high

Lincolnshire

Availability of ports

Very high

Liverpool

Centres of specialisation

Very high

London, Birmingham, etc. 

Transport links

High

Manchester, Cardiff, etc.

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Jacque Cartwright

Author: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.