While "Anglo-Saxon" isn't a term typically used in official Australian statistics for contemporary populations, we can look at data related to English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry, which largely comprise what is colloquially referred to as Anglo-Saxon.
Based on the 2021 Australian Census, which is the most recent comprehensive data available:
English ancestry: 8,385,928 people, or 33% of the Australian population, reported having English ancestry (sole or partial).
Scottish ancestry: 2,176,771 people, or 8.6%.
Irish ancestry: 2,410,840 people, or 9.5%.
If we sum these, a significant portion of the Australian population identifies with these ancestries. It's important to note that people can report multiple ancestries.
As of July 5, 2025, Australia's population is estimated to be around 27.9 million people. While the percentages from the 2021 census are still the most relevant for ancestry, the absolute numbers would be slightly higher due to population growth since then. However, detailed breakdowns of ancestry for 2025 are not yet available.
Therefore, at this moment, based on the most recent official data (2021 Census) and current population estimates:
Approximately 33% of the Australian population identifies with English ancestry.
Combined, English, Scottish, and Irish ancestries account for a substantial majority of the Australian population, reflecting the historical immigration patterns.
You're looking to broaden the picture of European ancestry in Australia beyond just the "Anglo-Saxon" (English, Scottish, Irish) component. The Australian Census collects data on ancestry, which provides a good snapshot.
As of the 2021 Australian Census, and keeping in mind the current estimated population of around 27.9 million (as of July 5, 2025, which would slightly increase the absolute numbers from the 2021 census percentages):
Northern European Countries (excluding UK & Ireland):
German ancestry: 1,026,138 people, or 4.0% of the Australian population. German ancestry is one of the largest non-Anglo-Celtic European ancestries in Australia.
Dutch ancestry: 381,948 people, or 1.5%.
Scandinavian ancestries (e.g., Swedish, Norwegian, Danish): While not explicitly broken out as a single "Northern European" category in the primary census results, people identify with these individually. Their numbers are generally smaller than German or Dutch.
Germanic:
It's important to remember that "Germanic" is a linguistic and cultural group. The most significant modern "Germanic" ancestries in Australia (beyond English, Scottish, and Irish, which also have Germanic roots) are:
German: As noted above, 1,026,138 people (4.0%).
Dutch: As noted above, 381,948 people (1.5%).
Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Icelandic: These are typically reported individually and contribute to the broader "Northern European" picture.
Spain:
Spanish ancestry: 128,693 people, or 0.5% of the Australian population.
Summary based on 2021 Census Data:
German: Approximately 1.03 million people (4.0%)
Dutch: Approximately 382,000 people (1.5%)
Spanish: Approximately 129,000 people (0.5%)
These figures highlight Australia's diverse European heritage, which extends far beyond the traditionally dominant British and Irish influences. While the British and Irish ancestries still form the largest groups, significant populations trace their roots to other parts of Europe, particularly Germany and the Netherlands.
Certainly! When it comes to Russian ancestry in Australia, we again look to the 2021 Australian Census data for the most comprehensive figures.
As of the 2021 Census:
Russian ancestry: 98,110 people reported having Russian ancestry (sole or partial). This represents approximately 0.4% of the Australian population at that time.
It's worth noting that while ancestry data provides a broader picture of heritage, the number of people born in Russia and currently residing in Australia is smaller. As of the latest available estimates (from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which can be as recent as June 2024 for country of birth data), the number of people born in Russia living in Australia is around 31,620.
So, in summary, based on 2021 ancestry data and current population estimates (around 27.9 million):
Approximately 98,110 people in Australia identify with Russian ancestry, making up about 0.4% of the population.
You're looking into specific ancestries from the Balkans! Let's break down the figures for North Macedonian and Bulgarian ancestry in Australia based on the 2021 Census, keeping in mind the current estimated Australian population of around 27.9 million (as of July 5, 2025).
It's important to note that ancestry is self-reported, and individuals can list multiple ancestries.
North Macedonian Ancestry:
As of the 2021 Census, 111,352 people in Australia declared their ancestry as Macedonian (either alone or in combination with another ancestry).
This represents approximately 0.4% of the Australian population.
Bulgarian Ancestry:
As of the 2021 Census, 8,039 people declared their ancestry as Bulgarian (either alone or in combination with another ancestry).
This represents approximately 0.03% of the Australian population.
Combined:
If we combine these figures (recognizing some individuals might have both, though the number would likely be very small), the total would be approximately:
111,352 (North Macedonian) + 8,039 (Bulgarian) = 119,391 people
This combined total would represent about 0.43% of the Australian population.
While the numbers for these groups are smaller than some of the larger European ancestries, they represent significant and vibrant communities within Australia's multicultural landscape.
You're highlighting two of the largest and most established non-Anglo-Celtic European ancestry groups in Australia! Italian and Greek immigration significantly shaped Australia's post-World War II multicultural landscape.
Let's look at the data from the 2021 Australian Census, keeping in mind the current estimated Australian population of approximately 27.9 million (as of July 5, 2025).
Italian Ancestry:
As of the 2021 Census, 1,108,364 people in Australia reported having Italian ancestry (either alone or in combination with another ancestry).
This represents 4.4% of the Australian population. Italian ancestry is one of the largest ancestry groups in Australia, ranking high among all origins.
Greek Ancestry:
As of the 2021 Census, 424,750 people in Australia reported having Greek ancestry (either alone or in combination with another ancestry).
This represents 1.7% of the Australian population.
Combined:
If we combine these two significant ancestry groups:
1,108,364 (Italian) + 424,750 (Greek) = 1,533,114 people
This combined total represents approximately 6.1% of the Australian population based on 2021 census figures.
These numbers underscore the profound cultural and demographic impact that Italian and Greek communities have had, and continue to have, on Australian society.
The Vietnamese community is another significant and culturally rich population group in Australia, with a strong presence, particularly in urban centres.
Based on the 2021 Australian Census data:
Vietnamese ancestry: 334,781 people in Australia reported having Vietnamese ancestry (either alone or in combination with another ancestry).
This represents 1.3% of the total Australian population at the time of the 2021 Census.
It's also worth noting that the Vietnamese-born population is one of the largest migrant communities in Australia. As of the 2021 Census, 268,170 people born in Vietnam were residing in Australia.
So, for the "very moment" (July 5, 2025), while the overall Australian population has grown to approximately 27.9 million, the most recent detailed ancestry figures remain those from the 2021 Census. Therefore:
Around 334,781 people, or 1.3% of Australia's population, identify with Vietnamese ancestry.
The Chinese population is one of the largest and fastest-growing ancestry groups in Australia, reflecting significant immigration waves over the decades.
Based on the 2021 Australian Census (the most recent official and comprehensive data for ancestry):
Chinese ancestry: 1,391,251 people in Australia reported having Chinese ancestry (either alone or in combination with another ancestry).
This represents 5.5% of the total Australian population at the time of the 2021 Census.
It's worth noting that this figure includes people with ancestry from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other regions with significant Chinese diasporas. The Lowy Institute highlights that this group has shown significant growth between the 2016 and 2021 censuses.
As of July 5, 2025, Australia's population is estimated to be approximately 27.9 million people. While the percentage (5.5%) is still the most accurate representation of the proportion, the absolute number would be slightly higher than the 2021 census figure due to overall population growth.
The Indian population in Australia has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing migrant communities.
Based on the 2021 Australian Census (the most recent comprehensive data for ancestry):
Indian ancestry: 783,958 people in Australia reported having Indian ancestry (either alone or in combination with another ancestry).
This represents 3.1% of the total Australian population at the time of the 2021 Census.
It's also important to consider the population born in India. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and other sources indicate a strong and continuing increase in this group:
The number of Australians born in India has risen significantly. While the 2021 Census reported 673,352 people born in India residing in Australia, more recent estimates suggest this number has continued to climb. For instance, some reports indicate that the total number of Australians born in India had reached 916,000 in 2024, making India the second most common country of birth for those not born in Australia, following England.
So, for the "very moment" (July 5, 2025), with Australia's population estimated to be around 27.9 million:
Based on 2021 ancestry data, approximately 783,958 people, or 3.1% of Australia's population, identify with Indian ancestry.
The actual number of people of Indian heritage (including those born in India and their descendants) is likely higher than the 2021 ancestry count, given the recent population trends and increased migration from India. The 916,000 figure for Indian-born residents in 2024 highlights this significant growth.
The most authoritative source for the Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Australia is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS updates its estimates after each Census, taking into account factors like births, deaths, and changes in identification.
Based on the 2021 Australian Census, the ABS estimated that there were 984,000 First Nations people (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) living across Australia as of June 30, 2021.
This represents 3.8% of the total Australian population at that time.
It's important to note:
The number of people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander has been increasing with each Census, partly due to natural population increase and partly due to improved data collection and increasing self-identification.
While the raw Census count in 2021 was 812,728, the ABS applies a Post Enumeration Survey (PES) adjustment to account for undercounting in the Census, which leads to the higher estimated resident population (ERP) figure of 984,000.
Given that the current date is July 5, 2025, and Australia's population has continued to grow, the absolute number of Indigenous Australians would likely be slightly higher than the 2021 figure. However, the 3.8% percentage from the 2021 Census remains the most reliable proportion currently available for the Indigenous population.
The ABS released a media release in July 2024 stating that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population "passes 1 million," indicating continued growth since the 2021 Census. While a precise real-time number for July 5, 2025, isn't available, it would be over 1 million and likely still around 3.8% to 4% of the total Australian population (which is approximately 27.9 million).
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However, I can still provide you with a full readout of all the populations we've discussed, along with an "Australian" ancestry category, which is also a significant response in the census. This data is based on the 2021 Australian Census, with percentages calculated against the total Australian population of approximately 25.42 million at that time.
Here is the population data by ancestry, sorted from largest to smallest:
Please note:
These figures represent self-reported ancestries from the 2021 Australian Census. Individuals can report up to two ancestries, so these numbers represent responses, not necessarily distinct individuals for combined totals across ancestries.
The "Indigenous Australian" count is the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) as of June 30, 2021, which accounts for census undercounting.
Percentages are rounded, and the sum may not be exactly 100% due to rounding and the possibility of multiple ancestry responses.
The current Australian population as of July 5, 2025, is estimated to be around 27.9 million. While the percentages generally hold, the absolute counts for today would be slightly higher than these 2021 census figures.
It's important to clarify that the Australian Census collects data on country of birth, ancestry, and religious affiliation, but it does not categorize migrants explicitly as "from Islamic countries." People migrate from various countries for diverse reasons, and their religious beliefs are a separate demographic characteristic.
However, we can look at the 2021 Census data for:
People who identified their religion as Islam.
Countries of birth that have a significant Muslim-majority population or where a large number of Muslim migrants originate from.
According to the 2021 Census:
Total Muslim Population in Australia: 813,392 people, representing 3.2% of the total Australian population. This makes Islam the second-largest religion in Australia, and it has seen significant growth (up from 2.6% in 2016).
Here's a list of countries of birth that are commonly associated with a significant Muslim population, along with the number of people born in those countries residing in Australia as per the 2021 Census. Please note that not everyone from these countries identifies as Muslim, and Muslims also migrate from countries not on this list.
Top Countries of Birth with Significant Muslim Populations (2021 Census Data for Australia):
To provide a percentage, I'll calculate it against the total Australian population in 2021, which was approximately 25,422,788.
Important Considerations:
Data Limitations: The Census primarily asks about country of birth and religious affiliation separately. It doesn't directly link the two in a way that allows us to precisely identify "migrants from Islamic countries" who are also Muslim.
Ancestry vs. Country of Birth: Some sources provide ancestry data (e.g., Lebanese ancestry, Turkish ancestry), which can be higher than country of birth figures as it includes descendants born in Australia. For instance, Lebanese ancestry is 0.98% of the population, Turkish is 0.34%, and Iranian is 0.32% (2021 Census Demographics of Australia).
Diversity within Countries: Not everyone from these countries is Muslim, and people of Muslim faith also originate from many other countries globally, including those where Muslims are a minority.
"Top" Countries: The data provided by the ABS often lists top overall countries of birth. Countries with a smaller absolute number of migrants might still represent a significant portion of the Muslim community if they are predominantly Muslim. For example, specific refugee intakes (like the Yazidis from Iraq) contribute significantly to the Muslim population from particular regions.
The growth in Australia's Muslim population is noted as coming from "relatively high birth rates, and recent immigration patterns" (Wikipedia). The highest proportional growth for a religion from 2016 to 2021 was for Yezidis (an ancient religious minority, mostly from Northern Iraq), which saw a massive increase. This demonstrates how specific global events can significantly influence migration patterns and religious demographics.
Here's a list of the top African countries of birth for residents in Australia, based on the 2021 Census data, along with their approximate numbers and percentages of Australia's total population (which was approximately 25,422,788 in 2021).
Top Countries of Birth in Africa for Australian Residents (2021 Census):
Key Points:
"African Australians" broader category: The 2021 Census also indicates that the total number of ancestry responses categorised within Sub-Saharan African ancestral groups amounted to 326,673 people, representing 1.3% of Australia's population. This broader category includes both those born in Africa and their descendants born in Australia.
Diversity within African Countries: It's important to remember that people migrating from African countries represent a vast diversity of ethnicities, languages, and religions. For example, migrants from South Africa include a significant proportion of people of European descent. Similarly, countries like Ethiopia and Nigeria have diverse religious populations (Christianity, Islam, traditional beliefs).
Refugee and Humanitarian Programs: Some African countries, particularly those in the Horn of Africa (like Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia), have been significant sources of humanitarian and refugee migration to Australia due to conflict and displacement.
Here's a list of the top Central and South American countries of birth for residents in Australia, based on the 2021 Census data, along with their approximate numbers and percentages of Australia's total population (which was approximately 25,422,788 in 2021).
Top Countries of Birth in Central and South America for Australian Residents (2021 Census):
Key Points:
Growing Latin American Presence: While the numbers may seem smaller compared to some other regions, migration from Central and South America has been a growing trend in Australia.
Diverse Reasons for Migration: People from these regions migrate for a variety of reasons, including economic opportunities, education, family reunification, and in some cases, seeking refuge or asylum.
Language and Culture: Spanish and Portuguese are the dominant languages in these regions, contributing to the linguistic diversity of Australia.
This data gives a snapshot of the Australian population's diverse origins, reflecting global migration patterns.
New Zealanders represent a very significant and unique group within Australia's immigrant population due to the close historical, cultural, and political ties between the two countries, including free movement agreements.
According to the 2021 Australian Census:
Number of New Zealand-born people living in Australia: 530,492
To put this in perspective, relative to Australia's total population of approximately 25,422,788 in 2021:
Percentage of total Australian population: 2.1%
This makes New Zealand the fourth largest source country for Australia's overseas-born population in the 2021 Census, behind England, India, and China.
Key points about New Zealanders in Australia:
Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement: For many years, New Zealand citizens have had the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. This makes their migration experience quite different from that of most other nationalities.
Recent Changes to Citizenship Pathway: Historically, New Zealanders living in Australia faced a more difficult path to Australian citizenship compared to other permanent residents. However, significant changes came into effect on 1 July 2023, making it much easier for New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more to apply directly for Australian citizenship. This has led to a large number of applications.
Geographic Distribution: New Zealand-born people are distributed across Australia, with significant populations in Queensland (particularly in Brisbane and the Gold Coast), New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia.
Historical Context: There's a long history of reciprocal migration between Australia and New Zealand, with similar proportions of each country's population residing in the other.
It's clear that New Zealanders form a substantial and integral part of the Australian social fabric.
You're looking for figures on Polynesians in Australia, specifically excluding those from New Zealand (who are often predominantly Māori, a Polynesian people).
The Australian Census collects data on "country of birth" and "ancestry." For Polynesians not from New Zealand, we'll primarily look at specific Polynesian island nations.
According to the 2021 Australian Census data, the following are the numbers for people born in key Polynesian island nations (excluding New Zealand), along with their percentage of Australia's total population (approximately 25,422,788 in 2021):
Top Polynesian Countries of Birth (excluding New Zealand) for Australian Residents (2021 Census):
Important Considerations:
Fiji: It's crucial to note that the Fijian-born population in Australia is diverse, including a significant proportion of Indo-Fijians (descendants of Indian indentured laborers) as well as Indigenous Fijians (iTaukei). The number 68,961 includes both groups.
Ancestry Data: The Census also collects ancestry. For example, in 2021, 43,469 people identified as having Tongan ancestry, which is higher than the Tongan-born population, indicating a larger community that includes descendants born in Australia. Similarly, 98,029 people identified as having Samoan ancestry.
Movement Patterns: Many people from smaller Polynesian nations (like Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) hold New Zealand citizenship, and historically, many have migrated to New Zealand first before potentially moving to Australia. This means the direct "country of birth" data might not fully capture the entire Polynesian diaspora in Australia.
Pacific Islander Category: The broader category of "Pacific Islander heritage" in Australia (excluding Australia and New Zealand) was around 337,000 people in the 2021 Census, representing about 1.3% of Australia's total population. This larger figure includes Melanesian and Micronesian populations as well as Polynesians.
This breakdown provides a clearer picture of the diverse Polynesian communities contributing to Australia's multicultural landscape, beyond just New Zealand-born individuals.
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