Top 20 largest minority groups in the UK, broken down by country of birth

FOI reference: FOI-2025-3245

You asked

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would like to request the following information based on the most recent data available (e.g., 2021 Census or subsequent population estimates):

1. A list of the top 20 largest minority groups in the United Kingdom, broken down by country of birth.
2. A list of the top 20 largest minority groups in the United Kingdom, broken down by nationality.

For both lists, please include the total number of people for each group and, if possible, the ranking of the Polish minority within that list.

Please provide the information in an electronic format.

We said

Thank you for your request.

We undertake the census every 10 years. This survey provides a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. As part of the 2021 Census for England and Wales, we collected data on country of birth, ethnic group and passports held.

In response, we have provided data on the 20 largest minority groups, broken down by: 

• Country of Birth 

• Ethnic Group 

• Passports Held 

This data has been downloaded from the Nomis website. Nomis is operated by Durham University on behalf of the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

You'll find the Polish minority in each dataset has been highlighted in 'yellow' for your ease when looking. 

If you have any further questions regarding the 2021 Census, please contact: census.customerservices@ons.gov.uk.

National Records Scotland (NRS) and the Northern Irish Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) conducted their own censuses for Scotland and Northern Ireland. You may wish to contact them to see if the hold similar data.

Country of birth and nationality information are collected as part of our Annual Population Survey (APS). We do not hold statistical outputs showing this information, however this data can be commissioned from our Social Surveys Customer Service team. Such services are subject to legal frameworks, resources and agreement of costs in line with the ONS Charging Policy. If you would like to request this bespoke dataset, please contact socialsurveys@ons.gov.uk to discuss your enquiry further.