When it comes to millions, well, I'm way out of my depth. The word billions just freezes the old grey matter and some kind of curtain of mist descends in front of my eyes. The numbers become meaningless.
I'm sure it's the same with you. But politicians? They're a totally different species of human being. They seem to revel in such numbers, using them to back this or that political point.
I am sure they, too, can't really visualise £2.6 billion, for example. But what they're skilled at is manipulation, using one set of mind-numbing figures to batter the opposition with, or to convince us they have the real handle on the economy, or whatever.
A fact or two...
Now don't switch off, although I wouldn't blame you if you did! By the way, many thanks to the General Register Office for Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International, the British Council and others for the information.
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| Bagpipes and kilts and incredible scenery, all symbols of Scotland. Photo: elainemac |
Did you know Scotland's population reached the five million mark only in the 1950s? I didn't either. Scotland's population first hit the 2 million mark in 1821. In 1861 it was 3,062,294; and in 1891, 4,025,647. But it wasn't until 1951 that it reached over 5 million for the first time.
Scotland's population is 5,194,000 (according to the latest estimate in June 2009), an increase of some 25,000 over the previous year. The figure is the highest for 30 years. Scotland's population reached a recent low in 2002 of 5,054,800.
Let's take a look at Scotland's cities. And, yes, we don't have that many. Officially, Scotland has six cities; Glasgow (population 577,980), Edinburgh (446,110), Aberdeen (179,950), Dundee (141,930), Inverness (42,400), and Stirling (33,060).
Most Scots regard Perth as a 'city' but in actual fact it has no such official recognition. Other 'aspiring' cities include Ayr, Brechin and Paisley.
Scotland's industries
Is it surprising, given Scotland's scenery and history, tourism accounts for something like nine out of every 100 jobs? The actual figure is around 200,000 jobs and the sector is worth nearly £5 billion to the Scottish economy. There are an incredible 27,000 tourism businesses in Scotland.
Banks, these days, are hardly the flavour of the month. Yet 150,000 people are employed directly and indirectly in the financial services industry which brings in around £7 billion every year into the Scottish economy. However, I'm sure that figure will be reduced in forthcoming statistical offerings given the present financial climate.
Think of Scotland and whisky and Aberdeen Angus beef and Scottish lamb all spring to mind. The food and drink industry, which includes Scottish farming and fishing, is another big earner, with some 1,500 companies employing a total of 250,000 people. More than £7.5 billion is generated by this sector every year. Whisky exports alone amount to £3 billion annually.
Electronics is another major sector in Scotland employing in the region of 55,000 people. Education provides employment for 85,000, both directly and indirectly, while the aerospace industry generates over £2 billion and employs over 30,000 people.
More than £3 billion is generated by a chemical industry every year which employs over 13,000 people while life sciences generates a further £3 billion, employing around 30,000 people. The textile industry employs more than 20,000 and Scotland's 300 contact centres employ a further 60,000 people.
And finally...
Scotland covers an area of around 30,000 square miles. The coastline measures a little over 7,300 miles. The highest mountain is Ben Nevis, near Fort William, with a height of just over 4,400 feet. The River Tay is Scotland's longest river, running for some 120 miles.
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