Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutWhich state in Australia has the least population?Now I will summarize the relevant questions, hoping to help those who want to know. In this vast land of Australia, the population distribution shows a significant characteristic of "dense in the east and sparse in the west". For those who are considering immigration, studying abroad or looking for a quiet living environment, it is important to understand the differences in population density in each state.
1. Panoramic map of Australia’s population distribution
According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2023:
- New South Wales: 8.27 million (state where Sydney is located)
- Victoria: 6.77 million (Melbourne state)
- Queensland: 5.38 million (Brisbane state)
- Western Australia: 2.82 million (Perth state)
- South Australia: 1.83 million (state where Adelaide is located)
- Tasmania: 557,000
- ACT: 461,000 (Canberra)
- Northern Territory: 252,000
2. Analysis of the population characteristics of the Northern Territory
This administrative region, which accounts for only 1% of the national population, has a land area of 17.5% of the country, with only 0.2 people per square kilometer. Darwin, as the capital, gathers 53% of the state's population (about 133,000). Noteworthy phenomena include:
- The proportion of indigenous peoples reached 30% (the national average is 3.3%)
- The proportion of working population aged 15-64 is as high as 68%
- Annual population growth rate 1.4% (mainly from immigration)
III. Comparative Analysis of Sparsely Populated Regions
area | Area (10,000 km²) | Population density (people/km²) | Major cities |
---|---|---|---|
Northern Territory | 135.6 | 0.2 | Darwin |
Tasmania | 9.0 | 6.2 | Hobart |
South Australia | 98.4 | 1.9 | Adelaide |
4. Pros and Cons of Choosing a Sparsely Populated Area
4.1 Unique Advantages
- Immigration policy tilt: Northern Territory state sponsorship can get 15-25 points
- Cost of living advantage: Darwin's median house price is 42% lower than Sydney
- Special allowances: Subsidies for remote areas can reach up to $15,000/year
4.2 Challenges
- Limited medical service resources (37% fewer doctors per 10,000 people than Sydney)
- Extreme climate impact (Darwin's average annual humidity is above 65%)
- Narrow job market (mining-related jobs account for 38%)
V. Hot Issues Related to Population Distribution
5.1 What do immigration applicants care about most? Which occupations are more likely to be invited in the Northern Territory?
The Northern Territory Priority Occupation List (GSOL) includes 92 positions, among which nursing, early childhood education, and engineering and technical personnel have the highest approval rate. The special channel allows applicants to apply for a 491 visa after living in the local area for 6 months, and the invitation score can be as low as 65 points.
5.2 International Student Selection: What are the characteristics of Charles Darwin University?
The school's engineering graduates have a starting salary of 183,000 yuan per year, and its tropical medicine research ranks among the top 50 in the world. International students account for only 15%, the language environment is pure, and regional scholarships of 15,000 yuan per year are provided.
5.3 Investment opportunities: Will the mining boom continue?
The Northern Territory's mineral resource exports will reach $4.2 billion in 2023, mainly exported to China, Japan and South Korea. The local government provides tax exemptions for the development of new mines (50% exemption in the first three years), but it should be noted that most mining areas are located in remote areas and require high infrastructure investment.
VI. Prediction of Population Change Trend
The government’s 2025 Regional Development White Paper shows:
- Plan to increase the Northern Territory population to 300,000
- New Darwin Port Free Trade Zone (investment of $270 million)
- Implement the "Sunshine Visa" program (permanent residency after living for 3 years)
Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandPopulation distribution characteristics of AustraliaWhether you choose a bustling city or a quiet Northern Territory, it is recommended to make a comprehensive consideration based on your career plan and family needs. Remember to follow our website to get the latest Australian life information!
【Extended Reading】
1. A complete guide to Tasmania sponsorship immigration
2. Darwin vs Hobart: A detailed comparison of living costs
3. Report on the quality of education in remote areas of Australia