Australia
Commonwealth of Australia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.15%
Australia is a Australia and New Zealand country of around 27.5 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 7.69 million km², translating to a density of 4.0 people per km². Its capital is Canberra, and English is the official language, while the Australian dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
27,536,874
Area
7,692,024 km²
Density
4/km²
World Rank
#54
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (10.8 per thousand) and death rate (6.9 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The population skews older, with 17.7% aged 65 or above and 17.8% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Canberra
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Australia and New Zealand
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- Australian dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +61
- Top-Level Domain
- .au
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+05:00, UTC+06:30, UTC+07:00, UTC+08:00, UTC+09:30, UTC+10:00, UTC+10:30, UTC+11:30
Population Details
- Total Population
- 27,536,874
- Land Area
- 7,692,024 km²
- Population Density
- 4 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.15%
- Annual Growth
- +316,674 people
- Daily Growth
- +868 people
- World Population Share
- 0.34%
- Coordinates
- -27.00°, 133.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $64.6k, Australia sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 4.1%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 33.8 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
83.0 years
GDP per Capita
$64,604
Birth Rate
10.8 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
87.6%
Fertility Rate
1.50 births/woman
Infant Mortality
3.1 per 1,000
Unemployment
4.1%
Internet Users
97.1%
Under 15
17.8%
Over 65
17.7%
Health Spending
10.4% GDP
Gini Index
33.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
4.9M
15-64 years
17.7M
65+ years
4.9M
Urbanization
Australia is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 87.6% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Canberra, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Extremely low population density means that settlements are widely dispersed, raising logistical hurdles for infrastructure and public service delivery.
24.1M
87.6%
3.4M
12.4%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 83.0 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 3.1 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Health expenditure accounts for about 10.4% of GDP, shaping the reach and quality of medical services available to the population.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Australia
Australia has 22 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Australia is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.5 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Australia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 27,536,874 |
| 2030 | 28,796,561 |
| 2035 | 30,390,121 |
| 2040 | 32,008,483 |
| 2045 | 33,655,782 |
| 2050 | 35,336,237 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Australia.
Largest Cities in Australia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Australia by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Australia?
The population of Australia is approximately 27.5 million as of 2026, making it #54 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Australia?
The capital of Australia is Canberra.
What languages are spoken in Australia?
The main languages spoken in Australia are English.
How big is Australia?
Australia covers an area of 7,692,024 km² with a population density of 4 people per km².
Is Australia growing or shrinking?
Australia is growing at a rate of 1.15% per year, adding approximately 316,674 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Australia?
The average life expectancy in Australia is 83.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Australia?
The GDP per capita of Australia is $64,604.