UK · 30 July 2026

Why did Wales's population fall this year?

Wales's population fell by 2,800 to 3,175,200 in the year to mid-2025, the first drop since 2015, ONS figures show. Net international migration collapsed 65% year on year to 211,700, while births fell to 588,000, the lowest since 1978. England still grew by 227,600 to 58,834,800, yet London posted its own first population decline as people moved elsewhere in the UK.

By BriefTea Editorial · 30 July 2026 at 2:02

Reported by ONS · How we write briefs

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