Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's population is approximately 0.33% of the world's total population, ranking it 55th in terms of population size. The population density in Australia is 4 people per square kilometre, making it the third least densely populated country in the world. Australia's population is highly urbanised, with 86.51% of its population living in urban areas. The country has a median age of 38.3 years, a life expectancy of 83.2 years, and a fertility rate of 1.49 babies per woman.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| World Population Ranking | 56th |
| Population | 26,096,192 (as of 2023) |
| Land Area | 7,692,024 square km |
| Population Density | 3.2 people per square km |
| Most Populous City | Sydney (5.3 million) |
| Population Growth Rate | 0.9% (2022) |
| Life Expectancy | 83 years (average) |
| Median Age | 37 years |
| Net Migration Rate | 5.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) |
| Urban Population | 86.2% (2022) |
| Sex Ratio | 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.) |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 3.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) |
Explore related products
Population density
Australia's population density is low compared to other countries. As of June 2022, the population density was 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi), making Australia the third least densely populated country in the world, after Namibia and Mongolia. The population density figure can also be expressed as 4 people per km2 or 9 people per square mile.
The population of Australia is concentrated in major cities, which are home to around three-quarters (73%) of the total population. Australia is one of the world's most urbanised countries, with 86.51% or 89% of its population living in urban areas. Five Australian cities, including their suburbs, have populations of over one million people. Most Australians live close to coastlines.
In 2021, the proportion of Australia's population born overseas was 29.3%, although this figure varies across the country. Western Australia had the highest proportion of people born overseas at 34.1%, while Tasmania had the lowest at 16.3%. In 2024, the four most common countries of birth made up over one-third of Australians born overseas. The largest group was those born in England (964,000), followed by India (916,000) and China (700,000).
Australia's population has grown by around 1.4% a year on average over the past 3 decades, from 17.8 million in 1994 to 27.2 million in 2024. The main driver of population growth has been net overseas migration, which increased from 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 people in 2023-24. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a net outflow of migrants from Australia for the first time since the Second World War, with -85,000 people in 2020-21.
Sending Money to Australia: Kiwibank Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Urbanisation
Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world. In 2023, the country's urbanisation rate reached its peak at 86.62%, though some sources state the figure to be 89% or 90%. This means that 86-90% of Australians live in urban areas, with 40% of the population concentrated in the two largest cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Australia's urbanisation is attributed to its high rates of immigration since the 20th century, with immigrants largely settling in coastal, urban areas.
The country's urban population is projected to increase further. Between 2022 and 2071, Australia's population is expected to grow from 26 million to between 34.3 and 45.9 million people. The ten-year average annual growth rate of 1.4% is predicted to decrease to between 0.2% and 0.9%. The median age of the population is also projected to increase from 38.5 years to between 43.8 and 47.6 years.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics no longer collects data on race, but in the 2021 census, 3.2% of the population identified as Indigenous, and 31.5% of the population were born outside of Australia. The most common countries of birth for this overseas-born population were England, India, China, and New Zealand.
Australia's urbanisation has been influenced by various factors, including the semi-arid and desert geography of its interior regions, which makes them less conducive to human settlement. The country's urban areas are concentrated along the coastlines, with 87% of the population living within 50 kilometres of the coast. This has resulted in Australia having one of the lowest population densities in the world, with 3.4 people per square kilometre as of June 2022, despite its high urbanisation rate.
Credit Card Interest Rates: Australia's Average Costs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fertility rates
Australia's fertility rate has been declining since the 1970s and is currently below replacement levels. The total fertility rate is the number of children born per woman, and it is calculated as the average number of children a woman will have during her reproductive years (15 to 49 years old). In the 1970s, the fertility rate was 2.1, which is considered a stable population level. However, in recent years, the fertility rate has dropped significantly. In 2023-24, the fertility rate was 1.49 babies per woman, down from 1.85 babies per woman in 1993-94. This decline in fertility rates is contributing to an aging population in Australia, as the number of deaths is now growing faster than births.
Despite the overall decline in fertility rates, there are some notable variations among different population groups in Australia. For example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fertility rates have remained above replacement levels, even as the national fertility rate has declined. In 2020, 7.5% of births were to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, up from 5.7% in 2010. Additionally, immigration has had a significant impact on Australia's fertility rate. In recent years, there has been a large wave of immigration from across the world, with Asia being the largest source of immigrants in the 21st century. This influx of immigrants has contributed to the overall fertility rate, as immigrants tend to have higher fertility rates than native-born Australians.
Net overseas migration has been the main driver of population growth in Australia, particularly in recent years. In 2022-23, net overseas migration reached a record high of 536,000 people, and while it moderated to 435,000 people in 2023-24, it remains above pre-pandemic levels. The COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of international border restrictions in 2020 significantly impacted migration patterns, resulting in the first net outflow of migrants from Australia since World War II. However, as restrictions eased and borders reopened in 2022, there was a subsequent increase in overseas migration into the country.
While fertility rates have declined, Australia's population continues to grow. As of 30 June 2024, Australia's population was estimated to be between 27.2 million and 27.4 million people, with an annual growth rate of around 1.4%. This growth is projected to continue, and by 2071, Australia's population is expected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million people. However, the ten-year average annual growth rate is projected to decline to between 0.2% and 0.9%. Additionally, the median age is expected to increase to between 43.8 and 47.6 years, reflecting the aging population.
Australia's population growth is influenced by a combination of factors, including fertility rates, net overseas migration, and life expectancy. While fertility rates have declined, net overseas migration has remained a significant contributor to population growth. Additionally, life expectancy in Australia is among the highest in the world, further shaping the demographic landscape. As Australia's population continues to grow and age, it will have implications for various aspects of society, including healthcare, housing, and social services.
Squirrels in Australia: An Uncommon Sight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Life expectancy
Australia's life expectancy is among the highest in the world. In 2015–2017, the country's life expectancy was 83.2 years. The latest available data shows that Australia's population was 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024, with a median age of 38.3 years. The median age is projected to increase to between 43.8 and 47.6 years by 2071.
Australia's population growth has been driven primarily by net overseas migration, which has increased from 47,000 people in 1993–94 to 435,000 in 2023–24. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a net outflow of migrants in 2020–21, but migration rebounded to record levels in 2022–23. The population growth rate has been around 1.4% annually over the past three decades, but it is projected to slow down to between 0.2% and 0.9%.
Australia's fertility rate has been declining, falling from 1.85 babies per woman in 1993–94 to 1.49 in 2023–24, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. Despite the improving life expectancy, the number of deaths has grown faster than births in recent years, reflecting an ageing population. The number of births dropped to 289,000 in 2023–24, the lowest since 2006–07.
As of June 2024, 29.3% of Australia's population was born overseas, with the most common countries of birth being England, India, China, and New Zealand. The proportion of the population born overseas has been increasing, with almost half (48%) of Australians having at least one parent born outside the country. Australia is highly urbanised, with 86.51% of its population living in urban areas.
Understanding Yen-Australian Dollar Exchange Rates
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Migration
Australia's population ranking is 55th in the world. Migration has played a significant role in shaping the country's population and demographics. The history of migration to Australia dates back thousands of years, with the first human migration to the continent occurring around 65,000 years ago from the islands of Maritime Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea. The indigenous population at that time was estimated to be between 300,000 and 750,000.
European colonisation began in 1788 with the arrival of the British, who established a penal colony in New South Wales. During this early period, approximately 165,000 convicts entered Australia, transported under horrific conditions. Despite the challenges, the colonies actively promoted migration through various schemes. By the time of Federation in 1901, the country had implemented the Immigration Restriction Act, commonly known as the White Australia policy, which restricted the entry of non-White settlers. This policy remained in place for much of the 20th century and was only fully abolished in 1973.
Following World War II, Australia experienced a large wave of immigration from across Europe, particularly Southern and Eastern Europe. Since 1945, more than 7 million people have settled in the country. In recent decades, Asia has become the largest source of immigrants, reflecting Australia's shift towards a multicultural society. The country's proximity to Asia and its high quality of life have contributed to its attractiveness as a migration destination.
In recent years, migration trends in Australia have continued to evolve. The top countries of birth for overseas migrants in 2023-24 included India, China, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. While Australia typically sees a net gain from international migration, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these patterns. Border closures and travel restrictions resulted in a temporary decline in net overseas migration, with a record number of migrant departures in 2023-24. However, with the reopening of borders, Australia is experiencing a period of recovery in migration numbers.
Understanding Toll-Free 1300 Numbers in Australia
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia ranks 55th in the list of countries by population.
Australia's population was 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024. The population is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071.
Australia's population density is 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi) as of June 2022, making it the third least densely populated country in the world.
The median age in Australia is 38.3 years.
86.51% of Australia's population is urban, with 73% living in major cities.
