Demographic Characteristics of Australia Age structure Population distribution Ethnic Composition Gender Population growth Rates Population size © Karen Devine 2010

Age Structure The Australian population is growing and is now approximately 22 mil. The Australian population is growing and is now approximately 22 mil. The average life expectancy is: The average life expectancy is: a) men- 79 years b) women – 82 years. © Karen Devine 2010

Age Structure Australia’s population is ageing because the numbers of people over 40 is growing. Australia’s population is ageing because the numbers of people over 40 is growing. Yet, the numbers of younger people is declining. Yet, the numbers of younger people is declining. Australia has a low death rate and a low birth rate. Australia has a low death rate and a low birth rate. © Karen Devine 2010

Age Structure An ageing population means that there will be smaller numbers of working age people supporting an elderly population. An ageing population means that there will be smaller numbers of working age people supporting an elderly population. © Karen Devine 2010

Age Structure People are living longer and will need to be supported on pensions for longer periods of time. People are living longer and will need to be supported on pensions for longer periods of time. © Karen Devine 2010

Consequences More infrastructure, such as hospitals and nursing homes will need to be provided for an ageing population. More infrastructure, such as hospitals and nursing homes will need to be provided for an ageing population. © Karen Devine 2010

Population Distribution Most of the Australian population resides in the South Eastern Coastal belt. Most of the Australian population resides in the South Eastern Coastal belt. © Karen Devine 2010

Population Distribution Sydney is Australia’s largest city and demonstrates urban sprawl or conurbation where satellite towns are becoming absorbed into the main city. Sydney is Australia’s largest city and demonstrates urban sprawl or conurbation where satellite towns are becoming absorbed into the main city. © Karen Devine 2010

Consequences Increased pressure on natural resources in South Eastern Australia. Increased pressure on natural resources in South Eastern Australia. Greater population density increases pressure on housing. Greater population density increases pressure on housing. State governments must plan for effects of urban sprawl. State governments must plan for effects of urban sprawl. Pressures on transport systems and road networks. Pressures on transport systems and road networks. © Karen Devine 2010

Ethnic Composition Australia still has an Anglo-Celtic “face” despite multicultural immigration since the 1970’s. Australia still has an Anglo-Celtic “face” despite multicultural immigration since the 1970’s. © Karen Devine 2010

Ethnic Composition Migration for humanitarian reasons has seen refugees arriving from Vietnam (1970’s), the former Yugoslavia (1990’s) and the Middle East, Sudan and Afghanistan (2000’s). Migration for humanitarian reasons has seen refugees arriving from Vietnam (1970’s), the former Yugoslavia (1990’s) and the Middle East, Sudan and Afghanistan (2000’s). © Karen Devine 2010

Consequences Increased provision of migrant services. Increased provision of migrant services. Increased numbers of English language centres. Increased numbers of English language centres. Migrant media and information services Migrant media and information services © Karen Devine 2010

Gender Approximately 105 males per 100 females exist at birth, yet there is higher male mortality for the years age group. Approximately 105 males per 100 females exist at birth, yet there is higher male mortality for the years age group. © Karen Devine 2010

Gender Migration can also influence the sex ratio. Migration can also influence the sex ratio. Above age 65, higher male mortality affects the numbers of males. Above age 65, higher male mortality affects the numbers of males. © Karen Devine 2010

Gender The sex ratio of the total population for Australia is 98.9 males per 100 females. (2008 figs) The sex ratio of the total population for Australia is 98.9 males per 100 females. (2008 figs) © Karen Devine 2010

Consequences Studies indicate that women live longer than men and have lower mortality rates in all age groups. Studies indicate that women live longer than men and have lower mortality rates in all age groups. © Karen Devine 2010

Population Growth Rates Australia's population grew by 1.9% during Australia's population grew by 1.9% during Migration is still a larger contribution to population growth rates. Migration is still a larger contribution to population growth rates. © Karen Devine 2010

Consequences Migration rates allow an increase in the Australian workforce in the short term. Migration rates allow an increase in the Australian workforce in the short term. However, increases in the rate of natural increase allow an increase in the working age population in the long term. However, increases in the rate of natural increase allow an increase in the working age population in the long term. © Karen Devine 2010

Population Size The Australian population is approximately 21,600,000 persons. (2008 figs) The Australian population is approximately 21,600,000 persons. (2008 figs) This was an increase of (1.9%) since This was an increase of (1.9%) since © Karen Devine 2010

Consequences Australia’s population density is low. Australia’s population density is low. Yet, it is high in urban areas in South Eastern Australia. Yet, it is high in urban areas in South Eastern Australia. This has implications for planners. This has implications for planners. © Karen Devine 2010

Pause Point! View the Census. View the Census. View the Census. View the Census. © Karen Devine 2010

Question Time? Write a brief report on the demographic nature of the Australian population. Write a brief report on the demographic nature of the Australian population. © Karen Devine 2010