Scotland's deaths outnumber births - so why is the population still rising?
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A record number of people are living in Scotland, topping 5.5m for the first time last year. But deaths have outnumbered births for the last decade, so why is the population still rising? The simple answer is more people are moving to Scotland than leaving, and most of the arrivals are coming from overseas. Scottish ministers say the country's population growth depends on this positive net migration, however, it is not without its controversy. Back door routes to the UK, such as people arriving on small boats, continue to hit the headlines. But it is front door routes, like international student visas, which account for most of Scotland's recent immigration boom.
Is immigration rising in Scotland?
People leaving to build a new life elsewhere was the dominant migration story of Scotland's past, but not anymore.
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