Multiculturalism

Of its 60 million inhabitants, approximately 15% were born outside the country. This figure represents a large increase when compared to previous generations, who were far more likely to have been born in the UK. The changing face of the UK has had far-reaching consequences for the make-up of the population and gradually changing cultural habits, particularly since the influx of large numbers of Pakistanis, Indians and West Indians began in the late 20th century.

The multicultural mix of the population looks set to increase in the 21st century as the UK begins to depend even more on immigration to boost the level of skilled workers in the labour force due to an ageing population and emigration of its existing population to other countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia.