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Australia's population is made up of over 270 ethnic groups, with about 27,923,100 people as of July 2025, and is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. The country's Indigenous population, which includes Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islanders, and South Sea Islanders, is a minority group that makes up about 2.8% of the total population. The Aboriginal population alone is estimated to be around 3% of the total population. Other minority groups include those of Chinese, Indian, Greek, and Dutch descent, with the largest proportion of foreign-born residents coming from the United Kingdom. Australia's history of immigration and colonization has greatly influenced its current ethnic makeup, with the country now celebrating its cultural diversity and promoting residency among people of various ethnic backgrounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 27,923,100 (as of 11 July 2025) |
| Population Density | 3.6 persons per square kilometre |
| Urban Population | 89% |
| Life Expectancy | 83.2 years (2015-2017) |
| Ethnic Groups | More than 270 |
| Foreign-Born Population | More than one-fifth |
| Indigenous Population | 3% |
| Minority Groups | Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islanders, South Sea Islanders |
| Languages | Aboriginal (about 150), English |
| Religions | Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism |
| Top 5 Ancestries | English (33%), Australian (29.9%), Irish (9.5%), Scottish (8.6%), Chinese (5.5%) |
| Top 5 Religious Affiliations | No religion (38.9%), Catholic (20%), Anglican (9.8%), Islam (3.2%), Hinduism (2.7%) |
| Immigration Sources | UK, Europe, Asia, Middle East |
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What You'll Learn
Indigenous Australians
The earliest accepted timeline for the first arrivals of Indigenous Australians to the continent of Australia places this human migration at least 40,000 years ago, with some estimates claiming they have been living in Australia for upwards of 65,000 years. At the time of British colonisation in 1788, the Indigenous population was estimated to have numbered between 300,000 and 1,100,000, with archaeological finds indicating a sustainable maximum population of around 750,000. The Indigenous population experienced a sharp decline following colonisation, due to massacres, armed conflicts, competition over resources, and new infectious diseases introduced by European settlers. By the late 1800s, the majority of people in Australia were of British or Irish descent, and the government enacted an Immigration Restriction Act to restrict immigration to Europeans only, further marginalising the Indigenous population.
Despite these challenges, the Indigenous population in Australia has grown in recent decades. In the 2011 census, 495,757 respondents identified as Aboriginal, 31,407 as Torres Strait Islander, and 21,206 identified with both groups, for a total of 550,000 people. In the 2021 census, 812,728 people self-identified as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin, representing 3.2% of the total population of Australia. This increase is attributed not only to demographic factors but also to changing identification in the census and throughout life, greater participation in the census, and a higher response rate to the question on Indigenous status. The Indigenous population also has a relatively young age structure, with larger proportions of people aged 29 and under compared to the non-Indigenous population.
While the term "Indigenous Australians" has grown in popularity since the 1980s, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples dislike it as they feel it is too generic and removes their distinct clan and people identity. Instead, they prefer more specific terms like the language group (e.g., Arrernte) or a demonym relating to a geographic area (e.g., Nunga). In recent years, terms such as ""First Nations", "First Peoples", and "First Australians" have become more common.
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Immigration and ethnic diversity
Australia's population of around 27 million people is ethnically diverse, with over 270 ethnic groups. The country's history of immigration and colonisation has greatly influenced its ethnic makeup. Before British colonisation in 1788, Australia was inhabited by indigenous people, with estimates of their population ranging from 300,000 to one million. The indigenous population comprised over 500 different groups, each with its own language, culture, and belief system.
During colonisation, the British established the first colony as a place for exiled prisoners. The influx of European immigrants forced the indigenous people out of their territories, and by the late 1800s, the majority of people born in Australia were of British or Irish descent. The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s further fuelled immigration, attracting people from Europe, China, and India. The enactment of the Immigration Restriction Act aimed to restrict immigration to Europeans, marking the beginning of the unofficial "White Australia Policy."
Today, Australia's ethnic diversity stems from its continued attraction as a destination for immigrants. While British people remain the majority at 67.4%, other significant European ethnicities include Irish (8.7%), Italian (3.8%), and German (3.7%). The Asian population has grown, particularly with immigration from China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The Aboriginal population, though small at 3%, has been increasing, with a significant jump from 115,000 in 1971 to 550,000 in the 2011 census.
Australia's immigration policies have evolved to celebrate multiculturalism and promote residency among people of various ethnic backgrounds. However, there have been concerns about rising intolerance towards ethnic and religious minorities, particularly those from Asia and the Middle East. The government has responded by adopting multicultural policies and allocating more funds for social programs benefiting disadvantaged groups.
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Population growth
Australia's population growth has been shaped by its history of colonisation and immigration. Before British colonisation in 1788, the population consisted of Indigenous Australians, with estimates ranging from 300,000 to 2,400,000 people. The arrival of British settlers and the establishment of colonies led to an influx of European immigrants, primarily from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other parts of Europe. This period marked the beginning of the ""White Australia Policy", which restricted immigration to Europeans only.
In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold attracted thousands of immigrants from Europe, as well as China and India. By the late 1800s, the majority of people born in Australia were of British or Irish descent. However, the cultural landscape started to shift towards the end of the 20th century with increasing immigration from Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. This diversification continued with a flow of refugees from the Balkans and the Middle East.
Today, Australia is home to around 27 million people and is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, with over 270 ethnic groups represented. The population is expected to exceed 30 million by 2029. The top five ancestries in Australia as of 2021 are English (33%), Australian (29.9%), Irish (9.5%), Scottish (8.6%), and Chinese (5.5%). The Aboriginal population, which once made up the entirety of Australia's population, now accounts for only 3%.
While Australia's immigration policy has celebrated multiculturalism and promoted residency among people of various ethnic backgrounds, there have been concerns about intolerance towards ethnic and religious minorities, particularly those from Asia and the Middle East. Additionally, issues such as high unemployment rates and the impact of government policies on Indigenous communities have been challenges in Australia's population growth journey. Nonetheless, Australia's economic development and high quality of life continue to attract students and workers from around the world, contributing to its population growth.
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Urbanisation
Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world, with 90% of its population living in just 0.22% of its land area. Most Australians live on the Eastern, South Eastern, and Southern seaboards, with 87% of the population living within 50 kilometres of the coast. As of the 2016 Census, two-thirds of Australians lived in a capital city, with 40% of the population in the two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne.
The population of Australia is approximately 27,923,100 as of July 2025, with a population density of 3.4 people per square kilometre, making it the third least densely populated country globally. Australia's population has grown significantly since British colonisation in 1788, when the population was estimated to be between 300,000 and 2,400,000 Indigenous Australians. The country now consists of more than 270 ethnic groups, with people from a diverse range of backgrounds calling Australia home.
Historically, Australia's population was predominantly British or Irish, with the majority of those born in Australia having British or Irish descent by the late 1800s. However, the country has since become more multicultural, with the European component's share of the population declining. Today, while British people still make up the majority at 67.4%, there are significant populations of other European ethnicities, including Irish (8.7%), Italian (3.8%), and German (3.7%). The country's Aboriginal and Native Australian population is now only around 3%, although this has been increasing in recent decades.
Other notable ethnic groups in Australia include those of Chinese ethnicity (3.6%), Indian (1.7%), Greek (1.6%), Dutch (1.2%), and other ethnicities (5.3%), which includes individuals from various countries, particularly Europe and Asia. Australia's immigration policy celebrates multiculturalism and promotes residency status among people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. This shift towards multiculturalism has been accompanied by the recognition of the structural violence and disadvantages faced by native populations, leading to increased funding for social programs benefiting these groups.
In conclusion, Australia's urbanisation has led to a highly concentrated population, with most people living in a small portion of the country's land area, particularly in coastal cities. The country's diversity has grown significantly since its colonisation, and its current immigration policies embrace multiculturalism, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry that defines Australia today.
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Tolerance towards minorities
Australia's population of around 27 million people is ethnically diverse, with over 270 ethnic groups. The country's history of immigration and colonisation has resulted in a predominantly Caucasian demographic, with about a third of the population identifying as English, and significant numbers of Irish, Italian, German, and Chinese people.
The Indigenous population of Australia, including Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islanders, and South Sea Islanders, is estimated to have been between 300,000 and 1,100,000 before European colonisation. By the time of colonisation in 1788, the Indigenous population had decreased to between 300,000 and 2,400,000. This decrease was due to conflict and disease brought about by colonisation. Today, the Indigenous population makes up only about 3% of Australia's total population, although this number is growing.
Despite Australia's ethnic diversity, there have been concerns about intolerance towards ethnic and religious minorities, particularly those from Asia and the Middle East. There have been reports of a rise in hate crimes and negative rhetoric directed at these communities. Additionally, there are concerns about the disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous Australians, particularly for minor offences. The Australian government has responded to these issues by adopting multicultural policies and allocating more funds for social programs benefiting Indigenous communities.
In recent years, Australia has also experienced a wave of asylum seekers, primarily from the Middle East and Asia. The government's response to this influx has been controversial, with some commentators criticising its harsh asylum policies as driven by exclusionary attitudes towards non-Caucasian migrants and the Indigenous population. However, it is important to note that independent investigations have highlighted evidence of inhumane treatment and deteriorating mental health among detainees, as well as the government's decision to end housing and income support for asylum seekers in 2018.
Overall, while Australia has a diverse population and a history of immigration, there are ongoing challenges in terms of tolerance and inclusion for minority groups, particularly Indigenous communities and more recent immigrants from Asia and the Middle East. The Australian government has taken some steps to address these issues, but there is still work to be done to ensure that all Australians are treated with equality and respect, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is made up of more than 270 ethnic groups, with 33% of the population identifying as English, 29.9% as Australian, 9.5% as Irish, 8.6% as Scottish, and 5.5% as Chinese. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 2.8% of the population, while other minority groups include Indian, Greek, Dutch, New Zealanders, and more.
Australia's population is estimated to be around 27,923,100 as of 2025, with a population density of 3.6 persons per square kilometre.
Australia's population is mostly urban, with 89-90% of people living in cities and along coastlines. The country has a history of colonisation and immigration, with British settlers arriving around 200 years ago and a more recent increase in immigration from Asia and the Middle East. As a result, Australia's population is ethnically diverse, with a growing number of minority groups.
