Manchester is a major city in northwestern England with a population of 547,627 inhabitants. Located in the historic county of Lancashire, it developed from a Roman settlement known as Mamucium into one of the world’s first industrial cities during the 18th and 19th centuries. Manchester played a central role in the Industrial Revolution, particularly in textile manufacturing, engineering, and trade, earning it the nickname “Cottonopolis.”
The city is known for its architectural and cultural landmarks, including Manchester Town Hall, the Science and Industry Museum, and the redeveloped Salford Quays area. Manchester is also internationally recognized for its influence on music and sports, notably through football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City.
Manchester has been the birthplace of numerous notable figures, such as physicist John Dalton and musician Morrissey. Today, the city is an important economic, cultural, and educational center, home to several universities and a diverse population.
Manchester in United Kingdom
2.2° W
Manchester Population Evolution
The population of Manchester in 2026 is estimated to 564,640 inhabitants. This estimate is taken from our extrapolation of available data and not an official estimate.
Population Summary
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | 766,311 | |
| 1991 | 404,861 | -47.2% |
| 2011 | 511,852 | +26.4% |
| 2014 | 520,215 | +1.6% |
| 2018 | 547,627 | +5.3% |
Interactive Map of Manchester
What to see in Manchester
Old Trafford
Manchester Museum
Alan Turing Memorial
Bridgewater Hall
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Famous People Born in Manchester
Emmeline Pankhurst
writerDavid Lloyd George
solicitorMorrissey
composerBritish singer and songwriter
Marcus Rashford
association football playerSister Cities of Manchester
Sister cities, also known as twin cities, are formal partnerships between cities in different countries to promote cultural and commercial ties.
This list is based on publicly available structured data and may differ slightly from official municipal publications.
| City | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Wuhan | 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China | 12,326,518 |
| Saint Petersburg | 🇷🇺 Russia | 5,652,922 |
| Los Angeles | 🇺🇸 United States | 3,898,747 |
| Faisalabad | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 3,203,846 |
| Kanpur | 🇮🇳 India | 3,067,700 |
| Palembang | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 1,535,952 |
| Amsterdam | Netherlands | 921,468 |
| Córdoba | 🇪🇸 Spain | 323,262 |
| Aydın | 🇹🇷 Turkey | 259,027 |
| Chemnitz | 🇩🇪 Germany | 250,681 |
| Taldyqorğan | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan | 162,300 |
| Rehovot | 🇮🇱 Israel | 132,671 |
Books about Manchester
The Manchester Art Book: The City Through the Eyes of its Artists
A creative and visually rich collection of artworks that illuminate Manchester’s architectural heritage, cultural character, and evolving urban identity.
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A-Z Manchester Hidden Walks: Discover 20 routes in and around the city
A practical and engaging guide to lesser-known walks through Manchester that reveal hidden historical and cultural gems.
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Manchester: A History
A comprehensive historical overview that traces Manchester’s development from its early origins through industrial prominence to its modern cultural and economic role.
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