Leslie Massey
Australia and North America are two regions with distinct population characteristics. As of 2025, Australia's population is estimated to be around 27 million, with a growth rate of about 1.7% annually. On the other hand, North America, comprising 23 independent states, had an estimated population of over 592 million in 2021, and this number is projected to reach approximately 685 million by 2050. This comparison highlights the significant difference in population size between the two regions, with North America having a much larger population than Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australia's population as of June 2024 | 27.2 million |
| Australia's population born in Australia | 18.6 million |
| Australia's population born overseas | 8.6 million |
| Percentage of Australia's population born overseas as of June 2024 | 31.5% |
| Percentage of Australia's population born overseas in 2023 | 30.7% |
| Percentage of Australia's population born overseas in 2022 | 29.5% |
| Percentage of Australia's population born overseas in 2004 | 23.8% |
| Percentage of Australia's population born overseas in 1891 | 32% |
| Percentage of Australia's population born overseas in 1947 | 10% |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Australia's population in June 2024: 27.2 million
Australia's population was 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024, with 18.6 million people born in Australia and 8.6 million born overseas. This represents a growth of around 1.4% a year on average over the past 3 decades, from 17.8 million at 30 June 1994. The population growth was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with international border restrictions causing population growth to fall to a historical low of 0.1% in 2020-21. The median age in Australia is 38.3 years, and the population is concentrated in major cities, with close to three-quarters (73%) living in capital cities.
Australia's population growth has been driven primarily by net overseas migration, which has increased from a net inflow of 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 people in 2023-24. The proportion of Australia's population born overseas has increased to 31.5% in 2024, up from 30.7% in 2023. This increase in overseas-born residents is due to the easing of international border restrictions and the subsequent increase in overseas migration to Australia.
The natural increase (births minus deaths) has contributed to population growth but to a lesser extent than net overseas migration. The natural increase has decreased from 135,000 people in 1993-94 to 106,000 people in 2023-24, reflecting declining fertility rates and an ageing population. The number of deaths has increased faster than the number of births, with fertility rates declining from 1.85 babies per woman in 1993-94 to 1.49 in 2023-24.
Australia's population is projected to continue growing, with forecasts showing an additional 8.9 million people by 2046. This growth will be driven by net overseas migration and natural increase, with two-thirds of the total forecast growth occurring in the four largest states: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Smoking's TV Ban: Australia's Timeline and Actions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.1 $32.99
Australia's population born outside the country
Australia has one of the highest foreign-born populations in the world, both in total numbers and per capita. In June 2024, Australia's population included 8.6 million people born overseas, which constituted 31.5% of its population. This figure has been steadily increasing since 2004, when it was 23.8%.
The proportion of the population born outside Australia has historically fluctuated. In 1891, 32% of the population was born overseas, but this fell to a low of 10% in 1947 due to decreased migration during World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. After World War II, the proportion of the population born overseas increased rapidly due to high levels of post-war migration.
In 2021, the proportion of Australia's population born overseas declined due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, which impacted migration into and out of the country. However, when these restrictions were lifted in 2022, there was a subsequent increase in overseas migration into Australia.
The top countries of birth for overseas-born residents in Australia as of June 2022 were England, India, China, and New Zealand, which together made up over one-third of all migrants living in Australia. As of June 2024, these four countries, along with the United States, made up the five largest populations of overseas-born residents in Australia.
Sydney had the highest overseas-born population of any Australian city as per the 2016 Census, with 1,773,496 people born outside Australia, followed by Melbourne with 1,520,253, and Perth with 702,545. Western Australia had the largest population of overseas-born individuals among the Australian states and territories.
Australian Dollars to US Dollars: How Much is it Worth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$36 $32.4
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Australia's population growth
Historically, Australia's population growth has been shaped by waves of immigration. Since the beginning of post-World War II migration, the overseas-born population has been growing at a faster rate than the Australian-born population. In 2024, 31.5% of Australia's population was born overseas, with the top countries of birth outside Australia being England, India, China, and New Zealand. The proportion of the population born overseas has been increasing, up from 23.8% in 2004. This trend is similar to the late 19th century, when high levels of immigration resulted in 32% of the population being born overseas in 1891.
Fertility rates have also played a role in Australia's population growth. The total fertility rate, or the number of children born per woman, has been declining since 1962, resulting in an aging population. The rate of natural increase peaked in the years 1912-1914 at 17.4 per thousand population before dropping to 7.1 per thousand during the Great Depression. After World War II, the rate increased sharply due to the post-war baby boom and immigration of young people, resulting in a plateau of over 13.0 per thousand from 1946 to 1962.
Urbanisation is another factor influencing Australia's population distribution. The country is highly urbanised, with 86.51%- 89% of its population living in urban areas, particularly on the eastern, southeastern, and southern seaboards. This concentration of people in urban areas contributes to Australia's low population density, which is estimated at 3.4-4 people per square kilometre, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
In summary, Australia's population growth has been driven by immigration, fertility rates, and urbanisation. The country's population is expected to continue growing, with the number of people born overseas increasing and contributing to the diversity of Australia's population.
The Standard Double Garage Size in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Australia's population by country of birth
Australia's population in 2024 was approximately 27.2 million people, with 8.6 million of those born overseas, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This represents a proportion of 31.5% of the population, a figure that has been steadily increasing over the years, with the exception of a dip in 2021, attributed to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The top countries of birth for those residing in Australia but born outside of the country are England, India, China and New Zealand. Notably, the number of people born in India has seen the largest increase since 2014. In 2024, nearly every country in the world was represented in the birthplaces of Australia's population.
The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory have their own unique breakdowns of countries of birth. For example, Italy has dropped out of the top 10 countries of birth for the Australian Capital Territory as of June 2021. This is the first time since 1901 that Italy hasn't featured in the top 10.
The Northern Territory's top countries of birth are not listed, but it is noted that the population born overseas tends to be older, as most people migrate to Australia as adults.
Net overseas migration has been the main driver of Australia's population growth, with an increase from a net inflow of 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 people in 2023-24. Australia's population is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million people by 2071.
Fried Worms DVD: An Australian Guide to Eating Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Australia's population compared to North America's
Australia's population as of June 2024 was 27.2 million people, comprising 18.6 million people born in Australia and 8.6 million people born overseas. This represents a notable increase in the number of people born outside of Australia, with the proportion of Australia's population born overseas increasing to 31.5% in 2024, up from 30.7% in 2023 and 29.5% in 2022. This is a significant shift, considering that in 1947, due to decreased migration during World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II, only 10% of Australia's population was born overseas.
In contrast, North America, which includes the countries of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, has a much larger total population. The population of the United States alone is estimated to be around 333 million people as of 2022, with a significant proportion of the population being immigrants or their descendants. When considering the entire North American continent, the population is even higher, with an estimated total exceeding 500 million people.
The difference in population size between Australia and North America can be attributed to various factors, including geographical size, historical contexts, and immigration patterns. North America spans a much larger geographical area than Australia, encompassing diverse landscapes and offering a wider range of economic opportunities. Additionally, the historical context of each region has played a role in shaping their respective populations. Australia has a history of immigration, with waves of migrants from different countries contributing to its population growth, especially after World War II. On the other hand, North America, particularly the United States, has a long history of immigration as well, with the country being built and shaped by successive waves of immigrants from all over the world.
It is worth noting that while Australia's population is significantly smaller than that of North America, it has been steadily growing due to migration. The net flow of migrants to Australia contributes to its population growth, and the country has experienced an increase in overseas migration after the relaxation of COVID-19 travel restrictions in 2022. This influx of people from diverse birthplaces has influenced the cultural diversity of Australia's population, with representations from nearly every country in the world.
In summary, while Australia has a lower population compared to North America, it exhibits a trend of population growth driven by migration. The increasing proportion of overseas-born residents in Australia contributes to its cultural diversity and demographic dynamics. Meanwhile, North America, with its larger geographical area and historical context of immigration, hosts a much larger population distributed across three major countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Australia's Environment: Current State and Future Outlook
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia has a lower population compared to North America. As of June 2024, Australia's population is estimated to be 27.2 million people.
Australia's population includes 18.6 million people born in the country and 8.6 million people born overseas, with the proportion of the population born outside Australia increasing over the years.
The top countries of birth for immigrants to Australia as of June 2021 are England, India, China, and New Zealand.
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer as population estimates for North America vary and may include specific countries or the entire continent. However, Australia's population has grown over time, with fluctuations due to historical events and migration patterns.
