Mapping the Brexit Vote: A Geographic Perspective

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The 2016 Brexit referendum was one of the most debated political decisions in modern UK history. With 51.9% voting to leave the European Union and 48.1% choosing to remain, the result was close—but looking at a map, the differences between regions stand out even more (Electoral Commission).

While the overall numbers show a nearly even split, a closer look at voting patterns across the UK highlights strong regional contrasts. Some areas were overwhelmingly pro-EU, while others leaned heavily toward leaving.

Different Regions, Different Views

The referendum didn’t just divide voters—it showed clear differences between regions.

• Scotland and Northern Ireland: Scotland voted decisively to remain in the EU, with every council area in favor and 62% of voters choosing to stay. Northern Ireland also leaned toward remaining, with 55.8% voting ‘Remain.’
• England and Wales: The picture was quite different elsewhere. England, home to 85% of the UK’s population, voted 53.4% to leave, while Wales followed closely with 52.5% supporting Brexit.

This contrast raises an important question: Why did different regions vote so differently?

Cities vs. Rural Areas

One of the clearest trends was the divide between urban and rural areas. Major cities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Bristol strongly supported remaining in the EU. In London, for example, some boroughs recorded nearly 80% of votes in favor of staying.

In contrast, many smaller towns and rural areas leaned toward leaving. Coastal communities, post-industrial towns, and agricultural regions were far more likely to vote for Brexit. The reasons behind this were complex, ranging from economic concerns to views on immigration and political autonomy.

What the Brexit Map Tells Us

The Brexit vote was about more than just EU membership—it reflected economic divides, regional identities, and differing perspectives on globalization. Years later, the geographic patterns of the vote still influence UK politics.

What do you think? Did the results reflect the views in your area? How do you interpret the patterns on the map? Share your thoughts in the comments!