In the last five years, the ethnic diversity of Southampton has changed dramatically. From a city that was overwhelmingly composed of a white, English population, and a small, mainly Asian population from the Indian subcontinent, it’s ethnic makeup has widened dramatically to include residents from all over the world. A small but significant number came as refugees, others came to study and later stayed to work. A much larger group has come from those central and eastern European countries that joined the European Union in May 2004, particularly the polish.

All these new migrants have played a vital economic and cultural role: not only have they addressed a serious labour shortfall in certain key sections of the local economy such as construction, agriculture and catering, they have greatly enriched our city by making it truly multi-cultural. These changes have equipped Southampton to take its place in a globalised world where those who embrace diversity and build on it, will be the economic winners.

It is in this context that this CD Rom has been published: to promote awareness of the changing face of Southampton and the rich social and cultural capital that these new communities bring.

Southampton City Council New Communities Team