Scotland's population has continued to fall, according to figures from the latest census.

The number of people registered in the census last year was 5,062,011, which represented 8.6% of the UK population.

The figures revealed that Scotland's population has fallen by about 116,000 or 2% in 20 years, in comparison with increases elsewhere in the UK.

The figures have also shown the changing age structure of Scottish society.

Less than 20% of the population is under 15

There has been an 18% fall in the number of people aged 15 and under and a 29% increase in the number aged 75 and over.

The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) said that while the population has fallen, Scotland's share of the UK population has not declined below the level of recent estimates.

The census found that:

• of the 5,062,011, 52% were female and 48% were male

• 19% of the population were children aged 15 and under

• the number of people of official working age accounted for 62% of the population

• 19% of the population were of retirement age.

The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) said the figures provided the "most accurate picture to date of Scotland's population".

Estimates taken in 2000 had over-estimated Scotland's population by about 50,000 or 1% and this could have been down to the difficult task of measuring migration of people.

Mr Randall said: "The new figures provide the most accurate possible benchmark for monitoring population change and taking decisions on Scotland's future.

"The figures show that while the population is lower, Scotland's share of the UK population has not fallen compared with the most recent previous estimates."

Mr Randall said his annual report, which is due out at the end of October, will highlight key demographic factors, including a falling birth rate and an ageing population.