AUSTRALIAN FACTS AND FIGURES

A Variety of Languages

Although we are a multi-cultural country, English is the national and official language of Australia. At least 17% of people living in Australia come from a non-English speaking culture and speak a non-English language at home. Over 200 different languages are spoken in Australia including 45 indigenous languages.

See also Australian Slang
 

Languages	1996*	Languages	1996*
Italian	367,300	Tagalog (Filipino)	67,300
Greek	259,000	Croatian	66,700
Cantonese	190,100	Polish	61,000
Arabic/Lebanese	162,000	Maltese	44,700
Vietnamese	134,000	Indigenous languages & Creoles	44,200
German	96,700	Turkish	42,200
Mandarin	87,300	Netherlandic (Dutch/Flemish)	40,200
Spanish	86,900	All other	656,900
Macedonian	68,100	Total	2,474,600

* Excluding kids under 5 years

More Information

1. Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
2. Translating and Interpreting Service
3. DIMIA translated web pages

Updated August 2011. You may notice that we show information from a variety of dates. We are unable to find the same type of information for more recent dates than what we show here. Note: This information is for entertainment purposes. We assume no liability resulting from any errors or omissions. Translation . . . we've done our best to bring you accurate information. For official facts and figures, please visit any of the many Australian government websites available such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics.