The Changing Demography and Household Characteristics of the Black African Population

Abstract

This chapter documents the changing size of the Black African population, the countries of birth of the migrant population, and the contribution of natural increase and net migration to intercensal change. Population pyramids are used to show the age structure in 2001 and 2011 and to reveal sources of population change for the Black African group. Age structures are also provided for smaller population groups (Somali, Nigerian, and Ghanaian migrants and the Somali ethnic group). Fertility rates are presented for Black African women and for non-UK born women living in England and Wales in 2011 by mothers’ country of birth in Africa. The marital and partnership status of Black Africans and subgroup populations is described. Information on household composition is presented from a number of sources, including a focus on lone parent families, fragmented families because of civil war, and transnational families, where family members may be living in both the country of origin and the host country. Household/family size is described for the Black African group and selected subgroups. Finally, distinctive Black African practices are discussed.