Population and workforce

The population in Wales is approximately three million and is growing by about 0.5% per annum compared to a UK average of 0.6%. The majority of the population lives in South Wales and Cardiff has the highest population density with 324,821 during 2008.

An educated and productive population is one of Wales’ key competitive assets.

There are a host of positive trends that offer even greater human resource benefits to businesses.

• Wales’ population is rising steadily
• The working-age population is also on the increase
• Growing numbers of young people are in further and higher education and formal work-based learning
• Staff retention is among the highest in the UK
• Industrial disputes are well below the national average