CANBERRA, Sept. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Australia's population stands at nearly 20.3 million at March 31, 2005, representing a 1.1 percent increase in the past year, according to latest official figures.
Figures of Australian Bureau of Statistics released on Thursday said the preliminary estimated resident population of Australia at March 31, 2005 was 20,281,400 persons, an increase of 230,300 persons since March 31, 2004 and 71,400 persons since Dec. 31, 2004.
Natural increase and net overseas migration contributed 52.2 percent and 47.8 percent respectively to Australia's total population growth in the year ended March 2005.
Natural increase for the year ended March 31, 2005 was 120,300 persons, while net overseas migration was 110,000 persons.
All Australia's states and territories recorded positive growth rates for the year ended March 31, 2005, the figures showed.
The highest annual growth of 2 percent, or 76,900 persons, was recorded by the northeastern state of Queensland, followed by Western Australia, 1.6 percent. Enditem
Yup, that's quite good news ;)