IV.

Population

The population of the county was estimated in 2001 to be 1,134,976. The main settlements are: the cities of Lancaster (2001, 133,914) and Preston (2001, 129,642), and the towns of Blackpool (2001, 142,283); Blackburn (1996 estimate, 139,491); Chorley (1991, 33,536); and Burnley (2001, 89,541). Other towns of note include Accrington (1991, 36,466), Colne (1991, 18,776), Fleetwood (1991, 27,227), Heysham, Leyland (1991, 37,331), Lytham St Anne's (1991, 40,866), Morecambe (1991, 46,657), Nelson (1991, 29,120), Ormskirk (1991, 23,425), Skelmersdale (1991, 42,104), and Thornton. The county has a relatively large South Asian community, especially in Blackburn with Darwen.