The bar chart compares the proportion of migrants to Australia from six regions in 1987 and 1997.
Overall, Europe remained the largest source of migrants in both years, while North and South America contributed the least. Most regions showed changes in proportion over the decade, with notable increases from Oceania, Northeast Asia, and the Middle East/North Africa.
In 1987, about 32% of migrants came from Europe, followed by Northeast Asia and the rest of Asia, both around 20-22%. Oceania accounted for roughly 15%, while the Middle East/North Africa and the Americas had smaller shares at around 14% and 5%, respectively.
By 1997, Europe’s share fell to about 26%, while Oceania rose to roughly 22% and Northeast Asia to around 24%. The Middle East/North Africa also increased slightly, whereas the rest of Asia and the Americas declined modestly. These changes suggest a diversification of migrant origins over the period.