Tasmania's population is predominantly descended from the people of the British Isles. This is rather natural, since it was the British who colonised the island in the early 1800's.

In the 2001 census, 97.6% of the population claimed their ancestry as either Australian, English, or Irish.

Tasmania is not as ethnically diverse as the big cities of Australia (Sydney and Melbourne), but has sizeable ethnic communities.

Of non-native Tasmanians, 47% were born in the UK. The next-most likely countries of origin are New Zealand, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. These countries plus native Australians account for nearly 97% of the population.

[Back to People of Tasmania questions]

Last reviewed 2006-08-06 12:44:23