Migrants from the United Kingdom have long been Australia’s primary immigrant group and in 2023 there were roughly 960 thousand English-born people living in Australia. India and China held second and third place respectively with regard to Australia’s foreign-born population. The relative dominance of Asian countries in the list of top ten foreign-born residents of Australia represents a significant shift in Australia’s immigration patterns over the past few decades. Where European-born migrants had previously overshadowed other migrant groups, Australian migration figures are now showing greater migration numbers from neighboring countries in Asia and the Pacific. A history of migration Australia is often referred to as an ‘immigrant nation’, alongside the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Before the Second World War, migrants to Australia were almost exclusively from the UK, however after 1945, Australia’s immigration policy was broadened to attract economic migrants and temporary skilled migrants. These policy changes saw and increase in immigrants particularly from Greece and Italy. Today, Australia maintains its status as an ‘’Immigrant nation’’, with almost 30 percent of the population born overseas and around 50 percent of the population having both that were born overseas. Australian visas The Australian immigration program has two main categories of visa, permanent and temporary. The permanent visa category offers three primary pathways: skilled, family and humanitarian. The skilled visa category is by far the most common, with more than a million permanent migrants living in Australia on this visa category at the last Australian census in 2021. Of the temporary visa categories, the higher education visa is the most popular, exceeding 180 thousand arrivals in 2023.

This statistic shows the share of ethnic groups in Australia in the total population. 33 percent of the total population of Australia are english.

Australia’s population

Australia’s ethnic diversity can be attributed to their history and location. The country’s colonization from Europeans is a significant reason for the majority of its population being Caucasian. Additionally, being that Australia is one of the most developed countries closest to Eastern Asia; its Asian population comes as no surprise.

Australia is one of the world’s most developed countries, often earning recognition as one of the world’s economical leaders. With a more recent economic boom, Australia has become an attractive country for students and workers alike, who seek an opportunity to improve their lifestyle. Over the past decade, Australia’s population has slowly increased and is expected to continue to do so over the next several years. A beautiful landscape, many work opportunities and a high quality of life helped play a role in the country’s development. In 2011, Australia was considered to have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with the average Australian living to approximately 82 years of age.

From an employment standpoint, Australia has maintained a rather low employment rate compared to many other developed countries. After experiencing a significant jump in unemployment in 2009, primarily due to the world economic crisis, Australia has been able to remain stable and slightly increase employment year-over-year.

In 2023, Australia had the highest banked population share across the Asia-Pacific region with 100 percent. At that time, the share of banked population in Vietnam amounted to 42 percent.

The statistic shows the total population of Australia from 1980 to 2023, with projections up until 2030. In 2023, Australia had a total population of about 26.95 million people. Population of Australia Australia is among the ten largest countries in the world, in terms of area size, although its total population is low in relation to this. Much of Australia’s interior remains uninhabited, as the majority of Australians live in coastal metropolises and cities. Most of the population is of European descent (predominantly British), although there is a growing share of the population with Asian heritage; only a small percentage belongs to the indigenous Aboriginal population. Australia's year-on-year population growth is fairly high compared to most other economically and demographically advanced nations, due to comparatively high rates of natural increase and immigration. Living standards Standard of living is fairly high in Australia, which can be seen when looking at the Human Development Index, which ranks countries by their level of human development and living standards, such as their unemployment rate, literacy rate, or life expectancy at birth. Life expectancy of Australia’s population is quite high in international comparison, for example, Australia is also among the leading countries when it comes to this key factor. Economically speaking, Australia is also among the leading nations, with a steadily rising employment rate, an increasing gross domestic product (GDP) with a steady growth rate, and a relatively stable share in the global GDP.

Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: Lao People Democratic Republic data was reported at 429.216 USD mn in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 365.201 USD mn for 2023. Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: Lao People Democratic Republic data is updated yearly, averaging 0.904 USD mn from Dec 1976 (Median) to 2024, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 429.216 USD mn in 2024 and a record low of 0.009 USD mn in 1977. Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: Lao People Democratic Republic data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.IMF.DOT: Imports: fob: by Country: Annual.

Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: Lao People Democratic Republic data was reported at 387.113 USD mn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 373.389 USD mn for 2022. Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: Lao People Democratic Republic data is updated yearly, averaging 0.839 USD mn from Dec 1976 (Median) to 2023, with 40 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 387.113 USD mn in 2023 and a record low of 0.010 USD mn in 1977. Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: Lao People Democratic Republic data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.IMF.DOT: Imports: cif: by Country: Annual.

In financial year 2023, it was estimated that 64.32 thousand more Chinese migrated to Australia than emigrated. This marked a significant increase in Chinese net migration compared to 14.72 thousand people in the previous financial year.

The Chinese community in Australia

Chinese migration to Australia dates back to the Australian gold rush of the 1850s and 60s, however, exclusionary migration policies up until the 1970’s restricted migration from China for some time. Since then, immigration from China has increased steadily and Chinese migrants now represent Australia’s third largest migrant group after the UK and India. The 2016 Australian census showed that Mandarin was the second most common language spoken at home in Australia, and Cantonese came in fourth. The Australian Chinese community also includes a significant proportion of the international students from China choosing to study in Australia.

Chinese investment in Australia

Although foreign investment in Australia still comes primarily from its traditional trade partners, the United States and the United Kingdom, Chinese investment has been increasing in recent years. The bulk of Chinese investment in Australia goes toward commercial real estate and agribusiness. In New South Wales alone, real estate investment from China totaled almost 1.25 billion Australian dollars, which accounted for around a half of all Chinese real estate investment in the country. By comparison, in 2019 the import value of Australian food products to China displayed yet another year on year increase, totaling more than two billion U.S. dollars.

In 2015, the Department of Health introduced the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classification system as it better targets health workforce programs by categorising metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas according to both geographical remoteness, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and town size. The MMM 2019 was updated on 1 July 2019.\r The MMM2023 was updated on 10 March 2025 to use the latest available Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021) Census data and geography information.\r \r The 2023 MMM uses the following data sets:\r • Australian Statistical Geography Standard 2021 Statistical Area 1; and Urban Centres and Localities as the geographic bases;\r • Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Area 2021 as the ABS remoteness classification (based on Accessibility and Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA+);\r • Estimated Resident Population 2023; and\r • Esri ArcGIS StreetMap Premium Asia Pacific 2021

Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data was reported at 2.256 USD mn in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.959 USD mn for 2023. Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data is updated yearly, averaging 8.829 USD mn from Dec 1976 (Median) to 2024, with 49 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 53.170 USD mn in 2020 and a record low of 1.064 USD mn in 1979. Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.IMF.DOT: Imports: fob: by Country: Annual.

In 2015, the Department of Health introduced the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classification system as it better targets health workforce programs by categorising metropolitan, regional, rural and …Show full descriptionIn 2015, the Department of Health introduced the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classification system as it better targets health workforce programs by categorising metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas according to both geographical remoteness, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and town size. The MMM 2019 was updated on 1 July 2019. The MMM2023 was updated on 10 March 2025 to use the latest available Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021) Census data and geography information. The 2023 MMM uses the following data sets: • Australian Statistical Geography Standard 2021 Statistical Area 1; and Urban Centres and Localities as the geographic bases; • Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Area 2021 as the ABS remoteness classification (based on Accessibility and Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA+); • Estimated Resident Population 2023; and • Esri ArcGIS StreetMap Premium Asia Pacific 2021

Among countries with the highest number of overseas Chinese on each continent, the largest Chinese diaspora community is living in Indonesia, numbering more than ten million people. Most of these people are descendants from migrants born in China, who have moved to Indonesia a long time ago. On the contrary, a large part of overseas Chinese living in Canada and Australia have arrived in these countries only during the last two decades. China as an emigration country Many Chinese people have emigrated from their home country in search of better living conditions and educational chances. The increasing number of Chinese emigrants has benefited from loosened migration policies. On the one hand, the attitude of the Chinese government towards emigration has changed significantly. Overseas Chinese are considered to be strong supporters for the overall strength of Chinese culture and international influence. On the other hand, migration policies in the United States and Canada are changing with time, expanding migration opportunities for non-European immigrants. As a result, China has become one of the world’s largest emigration countries as well as the country with the highest outflows of high net worth individuals. However, the mass emigration is causing a severe loss of homegrown talents and assets. The problem of talent and wealth outflow has raised pressing questions to the Chinese government, and a solution to this issue is yet to be determined. Popular destinations among Chinese emigrants Over the last decades, English speaking developed countries have been popular destinations for Chinese emigrants. In 2022 alone, the number of people from China naturalized as U.S. citizens had amounted to over 27,000 people, while nearly 68,000 had obtained legal permanent resident status as “green card” recipients. Among other popular immigration destinations for Chinese riches are Canada, Australia, Europe, and Singapore.

Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data was reported at 3.136 USD mn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.793 USD mn for 2022. Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data is updated yearly, averaging 9.629 USD mn from Dec 1976 (Median) to 2023, with 48 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 56.360 USD mn in 2020 and a record low of 1.170 USD mn in 1979. Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.IMF.DOT: Imports: cif: by Country: Annual.

Bubble tea has surged in popularity across Australia over recent years, primarily thanks to changing consumer tastes and multicultural influences. Strong migration from Asian regions has introduced many Australians to bubble tea, shifting it from a niche beverage into a mainstream option. Shops have spread rapidly in areas with substantial Asian communities and younger demographics, notably the CBDs of Melbourne and Sydney, reflecting greater consumer acceptance of bubble tea. Over the past few years, demand for premium bubble tea drinks has remained resilient despite economic headwinds. Even though periods of weaker consumer sentiment and rising living costs have weighed on discretionary spending, many consumers have continued to purchase high-quality bubble tea as an affordable luxury. Younger consumers, in particular, have viewed bubble tea as a healthier and more appealing alternative to traditional beverages like alcohol, cementing consistent demand among this valuable demographic. At the same time, rising health awareness has prompted bubble tea shops to invest in offering healthier versions containing lower sugar levels, dairy-free substitutes and health-driven ingredients, broadening their market appeal and pushing up industrywide profitability. Expanding interest in bubble tea is expected to have uplifted revenue at an annualised 0.5% over the five years through 2024-25 to $480.7 million. This includes an anticipated hike in revenue of 4.2% in 2024-25 as household discretionary incomes improve. The industry is on track to continue expanding over the coming years, driven by improvements in consumer sentiment and discretionary incomes. Strengthening economic conditions will encourage consumers to spend more on discretionary items like premium bubble tea. Nonetheless, intensifying competition and rising input costs could pose risks if bubble tea shops can't effectively price their products competitively relative to rivals and substitutes. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to climb at an annualised 1.9% over the five years through 2029-30 to total $528.3 million.

Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data was reported at 73.543 USD bn in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 81.926 USD bn for 2022. Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data is updated yearly, averaging 369.945 USD mn from Dec 1948 (Median) to 2023, with 76 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 81.926 USD bn in 2022 and a record low of 3.850 USD mn in 1952. Australia Imports: cif: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.IMF.DOT: Imports: cif: by Country: Annual.

In the middle of 2023, about 60 percent of the global population was living in Asia.The total world population amounted to 8.1 billion people on the planet. In other words 4.7 billion people were living in Asia as of 2023. Global populationDue to medical advances, better living conditions and the increase of agricultural productivity, the world population increased rapidly over the past century, and is expected to continue to grow. After reaching eight billion in 2023, the global population is estimated to pass 10 billion by 2060. Africa expected to drive population increase Most of the future population increase is expected to happen in Africa. The countries with the highest population growth rate in 2024 were mostly African countries. While around 1.47 billion people live on the continent as of 2024, this is forecast to grow to 3.9 billion by 2100. This is underlined by the fact that most of the countries wit the highest population growth rate are found in Africa. The growing population, in combination with climate change, puts increasing pressure on the world's resources.

Australia Exports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data was reported at 67.556 USD mn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 46.998 USD mn for 2022. Australia Exports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data is updated yearly, averaging 10.848 USD mn from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2023, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 68.307 USD mn in 2018 and a record low of 0.060 USD mn in 1979. Australia Exports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Macao data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.IMF.DOT: Exports: fob: by Country: Annual.

Australia Exports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data was reported at 134.915 USD bn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 121.151 USD bn for 2022. Australia Exports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data is updated yearly, averaging 865.450 USD mn from Dec 1948 (Median) to 2023, with 76 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 134.915 USD bn in 2023 and a record low of 0.500 USD mn in 1952. Australia Exports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.IMF.DOT: Exports: fob: by Country: Annual.

As of July 2023, there were approximately 152 thousand Chinese international students enrolled in Australia. There were over 710 thousand international students enrolled in Australian universities as of 2023.

In the year ending December 2024, around 891,550 visitors from China arrived in Australia. While this was still less than in pre-pandemic times, when around 1.4 million people from China visited Australia annually, this marked a significant recovery from 2021 and 2022 figures.

Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data was reported at 69.380 USD bn in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 77.289 USD bn for 2022. Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data is updated yearly, averaging 336.314 USD mn from Dec 1948 (Median) to 2023, with 76 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 77.289 USD bn in 2022 and a record low of 3.500 USD mn in 1952. Australia Imports: fob: Emerging and Developing Economies: Emerging and Developing Asia: China, People Republic: Mainland data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.IMF.DOT: Imports: fob: by Country: Annual.