Although predominantly rural, the region currently has a population of over 8 million and includes the urban centres of Southampton, Portsmouth, Reading, Brighton and Hove, Guildford and Milton Keynes. The population of the South East is growing at twice the rate of the national average.
The South East is the most economically active, and superficially the most prosperous, region of the UK. Despite this, it contains pockets of serious poverty and deprivation, especially in coastal towns and some rural communities.
There is a strong focus on tourism with unrivalled heritage attractions and large areas of outstanding natural beauty including many miles of designated heritage coastline. The wealth of cultural and leisure opportunities attract over 150 million day visitors every year.
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- There are more than 300 museums and galleries in the South East - the highest number in any region in the UK
- Over 500 public libraries are operated by the 19 public library services
- The South East also contains 218 archives registered with the Historical Manuscripts Commission. In addition, there are numerous university, business, estate, company and individual archives
More information on the region and museums, libraries and archives in the South East region is available to download below. The Government Office South East website contains a detailed analysis of the South East region.
