The latest figures released by the National Records of Scotland show Scotland's population has grown by just 2,700 people (0.05% growth), the slowest growth since 2003.
The figures published in the Mid-2020 Population Estimates report show that as of 30 June 2020, Scotland’s overall population was estimated to be 5.47 million.
According to the statistics published by National Records of Scotland, this average growth is slower than in the previous five years (to June 2019), when it was at around 23,000 people.
The data showed that population growth has slowed due to more deaths and lower levels of net migration.
There were 63,100 deaths and 48,700 births in the year ending June 2020, which is 14,500 more deaths than births – the largest natural decrease on record.
Esther Roughsedge, Head of Population and Migration Statistics, explained that a key reason for this small increase is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said: "In the last year we have seen a 4% reduction in births and a 12% increase in deaths."
The population expert said that deaths outnumbered births for the sixth year running.
Esther added: “In the year to June 2020, Scotland’s population only increased very slightly – by 2,700 people – and is now estimated to be 5.47 million as of June 2020.
"Also, the difference between the number of people coming to Scotland and those leaving is smaller than in any of the previous six years.”
Net migration was indeed lower than previous years, with just 16,900 more people moving to Scotland than left in the year to June 2020.
Population change varies across Scotland, with 20 out of 32 council areas experiencing population decline in the last year.
The 12 council areas which saw population growth were mainly around the central belt.
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