Black and Minority Ethnic population as per the 2001 Census.

In common with the general population, the BME population is subject to the flux and change of inward and outward migration and the data (2001 Census) represented in the following pages may already be significantly outdated. What the data helps to illustrate is the diversity and range of BME individuals and communities in north Wales.

In both 1991 and 2001 respondents were asked to which ethnic group they considered themselves to belong. The question asked in 2001 was more extensive than that asked in 1991, so that people could tick "Mixed" for the first time.

Census data is a useful tool but is limited in providing a full picture of BMEs in the area. Some of the key limitations are:

• Only a snapshot is captured on the day the census is taken and therefore the database does not provide a picture of developments since May 2001, for example, the influx of Filipino nurses to bolster staff shortages in the National Health Service (NHS) and the opening up of Eastern European migration since May 1st 2004.
• The census tells us nothing about transient populations for example, students, international students, migrant workers, temporary/casual workers in the tourism industry, refugees, travellers and gypsy populations, those seeking refuge from domestic violence or individuals with itinerant lifestyles.
• There may be a degree of non-reportage amongst minority communities for reasons such a general distrust or fear of authorities.
• Second and third generation settlement may mean individuals no longer identify with the ‘ethnic’ population.
• It does not provide figures on asylum seekers and refugees.
  (The North Wales BME Communities Research)

This section concentrates on providing a range of charts illustrating the demographic profile for each of local authority areas. Further information on Census data or statistical information please visit National Statistics

• Home of Official UK Statistics