The given chart illustrates how the percentage of Australia’s residents originating in Asia, the UK, and other areas varied from 1976 to 2011.
Overall, the total number of immigrants in Australia experienced consistent growth over the given period, with the exception of those who were born in the UK. Due to these variations, Asia surpassed the United Kingdom to hold the leading position in Australian migration.
Looking first at the total amount of immigrants in Australia, this witnessed a considerable decrease, commencing with 23% in 1976 and reaching slightly over 20% of total Australia’s residents in 2001. Thereafter, this figure rebounded, peaking at 25% at the end of the period.
Moving on to the origins of immigrants, people from the UK underwent a rapid decline from the dominant position of approximately 14% at the outset to the lowest position of 5% in 2011. Unlike this area, other regions and Asia followed a different trajectory. The percentage of residents from the former rose to 15% in 2006 up from a starting point of 10% in 1976, before falling back to 13% at the end. Meanwhile, Asian inhabitants commenced with a negligible proportion in 1976 before boasting with a progressive escalation, surpassing the rest to take the lead in 2011.