Australia has a population of approximately 26.5 million people. Despite its massive land area, it is one of the most sparsely populated nations on Earth, with a population density of around 3.4 people per square kilometer. However, this is heavily skewed by the uninhabitable interior; over 85% of Australians live in coastal areas, primarily in the eastern and southeastern coastal belts.
The population is growing steadily, driven almost entirely by overseas migration. Australia is a quintessential immigrant nation—nearly 30% of its residents were born overseas. While the historical ethnic majority has British and Irish origins, recent decades have seen vast increases in populations from China, India, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) make up nearly 4% of the population.
Religiously, Australia is secular and diverse. While historically majority Christian, the most rapidly growing demographic in the census is "No religion," which now represents nearly 40% of the population. English is the de facto national language, but over 300 languages are spoken in Australian homes, reflecting its multicultural vibrancy. The workforce is highly educated, with strong employment rates and high median incomes.