Is there an ideal population level for a country?

[kabbes]

Yes, but in 1801 actuaries had nice, spacious townhouses and a pile in the country. Oh, for those halcyon days.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

Yes, but in 1801 actuaries had nice, spacious townhouses and a pile in the country.

 

[kabbes]

Actually, I have to admit that the Institute wasn't set up until 1848. But don't let the facts get in the way of a good joke.

 

[danny la rouge]

After all, in 1801 the population of Britain was 8 million. Now it's 60 million. All those extra people have to fit in somewhere.

It's quite a good joke, but was better the way Spike Milligan told it.

 

[kabbes]

If 86.7% of the population emigrated overnight now, though, IMAGINE the space we could all have! We could each combine 7.5 houses into one giant house and live like kings.

 

[fela fan]

It was sarcasm. As in, the figure you say is ideal for the UK isn't based on anything. Just a feeling you have. (See, for example, your reply on post number 43).

I'm a bit slow then!

But, i have to clear this up again: it was not my figure. It was someone else's who i just said it could as well be that, simply because i think it should be less than the current population. The figure is immaterial to me, just that there are too many people now. That's what i was saying, whether i'm right or wrong is another matter.