The term “Australian people” is used to denote the individuals who call Australia their home, either by birthright or by acquiring citizenship. As of 2021, the population of Australia stands at just over 25 million, placing it 52nd in the world in terms of population. Australia experiences relatively moderate population growth, with an annual increase of just over one percent over the past eight years. This slow growth rate results from the balance of birth and death rates, with the former slightly exceeding the latter. The country’s population is projected to reach roughly 28 million by the year 2030.
The distribution of Australia’s population is predominantly urban, with more than seventy bustling cities spread throughout the country. The largest cities, in order of population, include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. However, a small segment of the population prefers the quieter, more open spaces of rural areas.
Interestingly, Australia does not implement a strict population policy or impose limits on population growth through birth rate or immigration controls. As a result, the nation extends a warm welcome to as many as 200,000 immigrants annually. Despite this open-arms policy, Australia maintains vigilance over its population growth, ensuring that its resources are capable of sustaining its people.
Many of the immigrants that Australia attracts are skilled workers, who supplement the country’s aging demographic and contribute to economic growth. There is also a sizable number of Australians who were born or who reside overseas. As long as the country’s population remains sustainable, Australia plans to continue its immigration-friendly policies.
Religious diversity is a defining characteristic of Australia, with Protestantism being the predominant belief system, closely followed by Catholicism. Other religious affiliations include Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism, although there is also a significant portion of the population that identifies as non-religious. The Torres Strait Islanders, one of Australia’s indigenous peoples, historically adhered to a unique spiritual belief system centered around Tagai – a mythology closely tied to the stars, which identified them as a seafaring people. Over time, however, Christianity has exerted a significant influence over these indigenous beliefs.
Although English serves as Australia’s primary language, there are regional variations that make Australian English slightly distinct from its British and American counterparts. Other languages, including Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, Hindi, Greek, Vietnamese, Italian, Arabic, and Cantonese, are also spoken in the country due to its diverse population.
The policy of multiculturalism has been integral to the fabric of Australian society since its introduction in the 1970s under Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. This policy espouses unity in diversity, promoting tolerance and cooperation among the various cultural groups present in the country. Today, multiculturalism in Australia is synonymous with peaceful coexistence among people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
This multicultural ethos does more than simply represent cultural diversity in contemporary Australia; it is also leveraged by the government to advance social justice, cultural recognition, and economic progress. Australia’s rich cultural tapestry is shaped by numerous factors, including differences in settlements and religions. The country is a home to a plethora of diverse groups, notably the Aboriginals, Torres Strait Islanders, and other Indigenous Australians.
To learn more about Australia, you may visit the following resources:
- Australia’s population data: Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Cultural diversity in Australia: Australian Human Rights Commission
- Indigenous history and culture: Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
- Immigration information: Department of Home Affairs, Australia
- Languages in Australia: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters