英格兰和威尔士人口出生率及死亡率Population size, birth and death rates of England and Wales

The line graph illustrates the population size, and the birth and death rates per 1,000 people in England and Wales between 1700 and 2000. As is obvious, over the three centuries, there was a dramatic increase in population alongside a long-term decline in both birth and death rates. Notably, after about 1950, the birth rate rebounded, whereas the death rate stabilised at a relatively low level. At the beginning of the 18th century, the population in England and Wales was very small, around 2.5 million, and it rose to approximately 10 million by 1750. However, by 1800 it fell back to near its original size, before embarking on a steep upward trajectory. From then on, growth was exponential, and by the year 2000, the population had reached around 50 million. In terms of demographic rates in England and Wales, the birth rate began at about 30 per 1,000 people in 1700 and climbed to roughly 40 by 1750. The death rate followed a similar upward trend during this first half-century, nearing 38 per 1,000. After 1750, both rates declined gradually, reaching just over 20 by around 1950. From 1950 to 2000, the birth rate rose again, reaching about 34 per 1,000, while the death rate remained relatively constant at around 20. Therefore, England and Wales experienced a profound demographic shift in a sustained population boom, underpinned by rising fertility and low mortality rates.