According to National Statistics, the British population is expected to increase by 4.4 million by 2016. The UK population is projected to increase by 4.4 million by 2016. This increase is equivalent to an average annual rate of growth of 0.7 per cent. If past trends continue, the population will continue to grow, reaching 71 million by 2031. There are, however, regional disparities. The population of England is projected to increase by 8%, Northern Ireland by 7%, Wales by 5% and Scotland, where fertility and life expectancy levels are assumed to remain lower than in the rest of the UK, the projected rise is 3%. In common with most other countries, the UK has an ageing population. The proportion of people aged 65 and over is projected to increase from 16% in 2006 to 22 per cent by 2031. As a result, in 2006 there were 3.3 people of working age for every person of state pensionable age but this ratio is projected to fall to 2.9 by 2031. Initial statistics analysing short-term immigration waves to England and Wales demonstrate that from mid-2004 to mid-2005, 247,000 foreigners went to these two regions for work or study visits of 1- 12 months (around 170,000 for studies and 78,000 for work). In comparison, long term immigration waves (12 months or more) accounted saw 551,000 people going to England and Wales between mid-2004 and mid-2005, an 11% increase in year-on figures.