European Australian
| Total population | |
|---|---|
|
18,281,559–19,787,099 85–92% of the total population |
|
| Regions with significant populations | |
| All States and territories of Australia | |
| Languages | |
| Mainly English Italian • French • German • Greek • Dutch • Irish • Scots Gaelic • Other European |
|
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Christian (Roman Catholic • Anglican) | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| European diaspora |
European Australians, or White Australians, are citizens or residents of Australia whose ancestry originates from the peoples of Europe and the Caucasus.
Since the early 19th century, people of European descent have formed the majority of the population in Australia. The majority of European Australians are of British – English, Scottish, Welsh or Cornish and Irish (Anglo-Celtic) – ancestral origin. In 2010, it was estimated that around 74% of the Australian population were Anglo-Celtic Australians.
Other significant ancestries include Italian, German, Greek, Dutch, New Zealanders (European New Zealanders), Polish, Maltese and Croatian. Today, Australians of British and other European ancestries are the dominant majority in Australia, estimated at 85–92% of the total population.
Historically, European immigrants had great influence over Australian history and society, which resulted in the perception of Australia as a European country.
The first records of European mariners sailing into 'Australian' waters occurs around 1606, and includes their observations of the land known as Terra Australis Incognita (unknown southern land). The first ship and crew to chart the Australian coast and meet with Aboriginal people was the Duyfken captained by Dutchman, Willem Janszoon.
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