Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is known for its large sheep population, which has historically outnumbered its human population. In 2020, Australia had a population of 25.6 million people and 85.7 million sheep, a ratio of 3.3 sheep per person. In 1990, the ratio was even higher, with a population of 17 million people and 170 million sheep, or 10 sheep per person. While the ratio has decreased over time, Australia still has an estimated 70 million sheep as of 2025, which is almost three times its human population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sheep population in Australia | 70-85.7 million |
| Human population in Australia | 25.6-26 million |
| Ratio of sheep to humans in Australia | 3.3:1 or less than 3:1 |
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What You'll Learn
Sheep population in Australia
Australia has a large sheep population, estimated at approximately 68.5 million to 70 million as of 2024. This is a decline from the 1990s, when the number of sheep in Australia was closer to 170 million. The country is the world's leading exporter of sheep, responsible for 50% of the world's sheep meat in 2023.
Sheep are popular because they produce wool, which is relatively inexpensive to make and can be used to make clothing. Wool can also be dyed in a wide variety of colours and helps people stay warm. In addition to wool, sheep are raised for meat, most commonly lamb and mutton, which are important protein sources in many parts of the world. Lamb is especially popular in regions such as the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Sheep also produce milk, which can be consumed directly or used to make specialty cheeses like Roquefort, Manchego, and Pecorino. Sheep’s milk is prized for its high fat and protein content. Finally, sheep byproducts, such as lanolin (a waxy substance from wool used in cosmetics and skincare products) and even sheepskin, are also widely used in various industries.
The gross value of Australia's sheep meat and live sheep production is expected to rise by 18%, reaching $5.2 billion in 2024-25. This increase is attributed to higher lamb and sheep saleyard prices and a boost in production volumes. Improved demand from processors, influenced by robust global demand for sheep meat and elevated export prices, is anticipated to outstrip supply. The value of sheep meat and live sheep exports is forecasted to increase to $5.7 billion in 2024-25, reflecting a 17% rise from an estimated $4.8 billion in 2023-24.
The ratio of sheep to people in Australia is approximately 3.3 sheep per person. With a population of 25.6 million people, this equates to about 70 million sheep.
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Human population in Australia
Australia's human population has been steadily increasing over the years. In 1901, the population was 3.8 million, and by 2020, it had reached 25.6 million. The population continued to grow, reaching 26 million in 2022, and 27.4 million by December 2024. The annual growth rate is projected to be 1.7%, with the population expected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071.
The median age of the population is projected to increase as well, from 38.5 years in 2022 to between 43.8 and 47.6 years by 2071. The median age varies across the country, with Darwin having the youngest median age of 34.6 years, and Adelaide the oldest at 39.2 years. The population is also majority female, with 50.7% of the population being female and 49.3% male.
Australia's population growth is concentrated in its capital cities, with an annual growth rate of 2.4% in 2023-24. The growth in the capital cities is driven by overseas migration, which accounted for 373,000 people in 2023-24. The proportion of the population born outside Australia is significant, with 31.5% of the population, or 8.6 million people, born overseas as of June 2024. The countries with the largest populations in Australia are England, India, China, and New Zealand.
While Australia's human population continues to grow, the number of sheep in the country has been declining. In 1990, there were approximately 170 million sheep in Australia, compared to an estimated 70-75 million in more recent years. This decline in sheep population has resulted in a decrease in the sheep-to-human ratio, which was previously as high as 10 sheep per person in 1990 but is now estimated to be less than 3 sheep per person.
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Sheep-to-human ratio in other countries
While Australia is well-known for its high ratio of sheep to humans, other countries also have notable sheep populations. Sheep are a valuable livestock species worldwide, contributing to textiles, food, dairy, and personal care products. Here is a look at the sheep-to-human ratio in several countries other than Australia:
New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its large sheep population, with approximately 38.4 million sheep and a population of 5 million people. This results in a ratio of about 7.7 sheep per person, one of the highest ratios globally.
Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands have a tiny human population of only 3,500 people but boast 700,000 sheep. This results in an impressive ratio of 200 sheep per person, ensuring a steady supply of wool, meat, and milk for its inhabitants.
Wales
Wales is renowned for its vast sheep population within the UK. While exact numbers vary, estimates suggest there are around 9.5 million sheep in Wales, with a human population of 3.1 million. This results in a ratio of approximately 3 sheep per person, making it the highest ratio in the UK.
Uruguay
Uruguay has a significant sheep population, with approximately 10.3 million sheep and a human population of 3.5 million. This results in a ratio of about 2.9 sheep per person, contributing to the country's agricultural sector.
Mongolia
Mongolia has a notable sheep population relative to its human inhabitants. With a population of 3.3 million people and an estimated 14.8 million sheep, Mongolia has a ratio of approximately 4.5 sheep per person.
These countries, among others, showcase the global importance of sheep as a valuable livestock species, contributing to various industries and local economies.
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Uses of sheep
As of 2023, Australia has a population of approximately 25 million people and an estimated 65 million sheep, giving a ratio of roughly 2.6 sheep per person. This ratio has fluctuated over the years, with the highest recorded number of sheep in Australia peaking at over 180 million in the early 1970s, resulting in a ratio of almost 10 sheep per person at that time.
Sheep are domesticated animals that have been used by humans for various purposes throughout history. Here are some of the primary uses of sheep, particularly in the context of Australia:
Wool Production: The most well-known use of sheep is for their wool. Australia has a large and successful wool industry, with Merino wool being a sought-after commodity worldwide. Merino sheep, in particular, are prized for their fine, soft wool, which is used in clothing, bedding, and other textiles. The wool is shorn from the sheep annually, providing a renewable resource that has been integral to Australia's economy and cultural identity.
Meat: Sheep are also a source of meat, with lamb and mutton being popular options in Australian cuisine and exported globally. Lamb meat is typically derived from younger sheep, while mutton comes from older animals. The meat is used in a variety of dishes, including roasts, chops, stews, and barbecues. Australia is a significant exporter of sheep meat, particularly to the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Dairy: While not as common as cow's milk, sheep's milk is used in certain dairy products, particularly cheese. Sheep's milk has a higher protein and fat content than cow's milk, making it ideal for cheesemaking. Cheeses made from sheep's milk, such as feta, pecorino, and Roquefort, have a distinct flavor and texture that are valued in the culinary world.
Leather and Sheepskin: The hides of sheep are used to produce leather and sheepskin products. Sheep leather is known for its softness and durability, making it suitable for clothing, footwear, and accessories. Sheepskin, on the other hand, is used for rugs, upholstery, and clothing items like jackets and boots, providing warmth and comfort.
Fertilizer and Lanolin: Sheep also have uses beyond their physical products. Their manure is an excellent natural fertilizer for crops and gardens. Additionally, lanolin, a waxy substance secreted by sheep to protect their wool, has a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in cosmetics, skincare products, and pharmaceuticals due to its emollient and moisturizing properties.
Sheep have played a significant role in shaping Australia's agricultural and economic landscape, and their versatility continues to make them an important resource in the modern world.
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History of the sheep-to-human ratio in Australia
Sheep have long been integral to humans, and sheep farming remains a large industry in many parts of the world. Sheep are a source of wool, meat, milk, and byproducts such as lanolin and sheepskin. As such, they are popular across the globe, with China having the highest population of sheep in the world.
Australia, in particular, has a lot of sheep. It is estimated that there are approximately 70 million sheep in Australia, with a human population of 25.6 million, giving a ratio of 3.3 sheep per person. This ratio has decreased over time. In 1990, for example, Australia had a human population of 17 million and a sheep population of 170 million, giving a ratio of 10 sheep per person. The decline in the ratio is partly due to the fall in the price of wool, as well as droughts and the economics of sheep farming.
Historically, Australia's sheep population was so high that the phrase "Australia rides on the sheep's back!" was coined. This phrase was used in Chinese secondary school textbooks, reflecting the country's association with sheep. Today, Australia still has three times as many sheep as New Zealand, though New Zealand has a higher sheep-to-person ratio.
The high number of sheep in Australia has had cultural impacts as well. For example, the phrase "the country where men are men, and sheep are scared" has been used to describe Australia, indicating a playful association between the country and its abundant sheep population.
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Frequently asked questions
The ratio of sheep to people in Australia is estimated to be between 3 and 3.3 sheep per person.
No, the ratio has changed over time. In 1990, for example, there were around 10 sheep per person in Australia.
There are approximately 70-75 million sheep in Australia.
Sheep are popular in Australia because they produce wool, meat, and milk.
