Population and Migration
The State of Victoria has been enriched by the presence of people from all over the world.
Almost a quarter of Victoria's population were born overseas, while 43.5% of Victorians were either born overseas, or have a parent who was born overseas. Victorians come from over 200 countries, speak over 180 languages and dialects and follow over 110 religious faiths.
Most of the overseas-born Victorians came to Australia as migrants hoping to find a better life for themselves and their children. A significant number came to Australia as refugees – first Europeans displaced by the Second World War, then refugees from the war in Indo-China and more recently refugees from conflicts in the republics of the former Yugoslavia, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and Afghanistan.
Population
The Victorian Government's population policy explains the government’s vision for growing Victoria’s population in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner. Find out more about the population policy.
Migration and settlement
Migrants and refugees have made an enormous contribution to the Victorian community in areas such as business and politics, education and research and sports and the arts. Learn more about migration and settlement.
ABS census data reports
The Victorian Multicultural Commission uses data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ census to produce a number of reports on Victoria’s multicultural population. These are used to help departments, agencies, community organisations and researchers in service planning and program delivery. Read the reports.
Community profiles
The Victorian Community Profiles 2001 Census Series consists of 30 reports, each focusing on a particular birthplace or community group. Commentaries and data tables detail demographic and socio-economic characteristics of these established and emerging communities in Victoria. Learn more about the community profiles.
Fact sheets
Community fact sheets are available for the top 74 overseas birthplace groups in Victoria. Each fact sheet consists of a brief commentary and summary tables on the population characteristics of the birthplace group. Find out more about the fact sheets.
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