The Population of Australia Now, Past and Future
Populations Trends Shown by Population Clock and Population Pyramids
Sep 18, 2009
Australia’s population reached 20 million on 4 December 2003 according to official figures, and on 1 October 2009 it reached 22 million. At any time of the day or night the exact estimate of the Australian population can be seen via the Population Clock on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website.
The ABS also provides Australian historical population statistics with a wide range of demographic data going back to 1788 when Europeans first settled Australia, and population projections up to the year 2101. Much of the data is also presented as animated population pyramids which provide a wealth of data on the Australian population.
The Population Clock
The figures used for the population clock are based on census statistics from the Australian census which is held every 5 years. These figures are supplemented by more regular survey information to produce figures of the estimated resident population. Australian statistics for births, deaths and migration are also used in its compilation, and the assumptions are clearly stated on the webpage.
As an example, on 18 September 2009 at 04:37:20 PM (Canberra time), the resident population of Australia is projected to be 21,912,759. This projection is based on the estimated resident population at 31 December 2008 and assumes growth since then of:
- one birth every 1 minute and 47 seconds,
- one death every 3 minutes and 47 seconds,
- a net gain of one international migrant every 2 minutes and 23 seconds.
This results in an overall total population increase of one person every 1 minute and 24 seconds and the basis of the assumptions are clearly spelled out.
Population Pyramid Graphs
Animated population pyramids can be accessed on the ABS website for the years 1971 to 2051. These are available for the whole of Australia plus each of the States and Territories. The population pyramids show the age and sex distribution of the Australian population for any given year and are a useful tool for looking at issues such as the ageing of the population.
The estimates and projections shown are for the 30 June in each year that is displayed. Viewers can choose to look at any year of their choice or can view an animated presentation that runs through each year from 1971 to 2051. A free plug-in is available on site to view the animation. Annual population figures are given but it is interesting to note the change in age structure over time.
As with all ABS statistics there is extensive information about how the figures are compiled with links to publications that give details on the concepts, sources and methods behind the numbers presented. The ABS website is a gold mine of free information, and a great source of facts and figures for students.
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