Scotland's population sits at 5.5m
Scotland's population increased by less than 0.1% in the year leading to mid-2025, with international net migration reaching its lowest point in five years, according to official statistics released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS).
The NRS estimated the country's population at 5,545,500, marking a rise of 2,200 people.
International net migration declined to 9,300 individuals, the lowest since mid-2020, while net migration between Scotland and the rest of the UK also decreased to 8,600.
The NRS noted that migration remains the primary factor driving Scotland's population growth, as deaths continue to exceed births.
Migration versus natural change
Two main factors determine Scotland's population: net migration and natural change.
Total net migration, defined as the number of people moving into Scotland minus those leaving, was 17,900 in the year to mid-2025. This figure includes both international migrants and those relocating from other parts of the UK.
Overall net migration is significantly lower than the peak recorded in the year to mid-2023, when it reached 83,300, as well as the previous year's total of 47,000 (year to mid-2024).
Both international net migration and migration from other UK regions declined during the last year.
Natural change, calculated as births minus deaths, was negative at -16,200, reflecting that deaths outnumbered births in the year. There were 45,400 births compared to 61,600 deaths in the period to mid-2025.
These components, along with other demographic changes, contribute to the overall population figures for Scotland.
Which council areas grew the most?
The NRS data also highlights population changes at the local council level.
Twelve councils experienced population growth between mid-2024 and mid-2025. The largest increases were seen in East Lothian, Midlothian, Glasgow City, and West Lothian. Conversely, Clackmannanshire, Dundee City, and Na h-Eileanan Siar recorded the most significant population declines.
Glasgow City remains Scotland's most populous council area with 654,330 residents, followed by the City of Edinburgh and Fife.
Orkney Islands had the smallest population at 21,920, followed by Shetland Islands and Na h-Eileanan Siar.
Andrew White, head of population and migration statistics at NRS, said: "Scotland's population is continuing to rise but at a reduced rate compared to recent years.
"This increase is driven by people moving to Scotland from the rest of the UK and internationally."
He further noted that in the year to mid-2025, deaths outnumbered births in all council areas except Midlothian and Glasgow City.
White added: "The overall number of deaths registered in Scotland was greater than the number of births, continuing a trend we have seen since 2015."
