Coventry is a city located in West Midlands, England. The city is the second largest in the region by population, with a population estimated to be 345,385 in 2015. The city is also the 9th largest in England, and its population places it as the 12th largest in the UK. Over the years, Coventry has become known for its contribution to the automotive industry.
City Size and Population Density of Coventry
The city of Coventry covers a total surface area of approximately 98.6 square kilometers. With a population creeping upwards to 350,000 and beyond, the density of the residents comes to just over 3,100 individuals per square kilometer.
Coventry Demographics
Over 66% of the city’s population is White British. Of the remaining residents, 7.2% are White (non-British), 5.5% are black, and over 16% are Asian, which far exceeds the national average.
The 2011 Census shows that over 53% of Coventry residents identify as Christian, while Islam is the second most-followed religion. Twenty-three percent of the population do not identify with a religion.
There is also a large population of students that reside in Coventry for at least 12 months, with approximately 15,000 of these students originating from outside of the UK.
Coventry History
The history of Coventry is thought to date back to the 10th century. During the Middle Ages, the area was one of the most prosperous due to its wool and cloth industries. Unfortunately, most of its economic fortunes were lost by the end of the 15th century. Because of the economic changes, over the next 300 years, much of the city was unable to be rebuilt, and there was no real expansion. Much of the remains of the medieval city were still in place during the 20th century, although homes and terraces were later destroyed in 1940 when an air raid occurred. The city’s cathedral church was destroyed during the Coventry Blitz, but was rebuilt as the Coventry Cathedral.
The city’s role in the motor industry was at its peak in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, theaters, sports centers, and retail shopping centers were built. The University of Warwick was opened in 1965 and quickly established a role as one of the country’s top institutions of higher education.
In modern times, the city’s role in the automotive industry continues to decline, but new industries have made their way to the city. In the 1980s, Coventry had a high rate of unemployment – one of the highest in the country – and had a significantly high crime rate. However, the city now is considered one of the safest major cities in the UK and has bounced back from its economic troubles.
Coventry Population Growth
Despite the destruction that occurred during the air raids in 1940 and the high rate of crime and unemployment that plagued the city in the 1980s, Coventry has recovered quite well and is one of the fastest growing cities in the United Kingdom. Between 2012 and 2013, the city’s population increased by over 2%. A significant number of immigrants have contributed to the city’s population, which is expected to continue as Coventry will see steady population increases.
