According to the 2021 UK Census, England's population is approximately 56.5 million, making it the most populous nation in the UK and one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. The population is highly urbanized, with over 80% living in cities and towns, most notably in Greater London, which alone houses around 9 million residents.
The population is gradually aging, reflecting increased life expectancy and lower birth rates, though immigration has contributed to continued population growth. England is highly diverse, particularly in its major cities. While the majority identify as White British (around 73%), there are significant Asian (including Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi), Black (African and Caribbean), and Mixed ethnic communities.
Religiously, Christianity remains the largest affiliation, though its numbers have been steadily declining. There is a rapidly growing demographic of people identifying with "No Religion." Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism represent the largest minority faiths. English is the primary language, spoken universally, though hundreds of other languages are spoken in metropolitan hubs. The nation generally enjoys high levels of education and healthcare access, though regional disparities exist regarding income and employment, often framed as the "North-South divide."
