The number of people taking the pledge to become Australian citizens has reached record levels as more foreign-born relocate to the country.
Australia Day saw nearly 18,000 people become citizens as Australia’s population reaches close to 23.5 million, reports ABC.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal people born in the UK remain the largest group of residents born overseas - making up 5.3 per cent of the population, while 2.6 per cent are New Zealand-born and 1.6 per cent are born in India.
Monash University's population researcher, Dr Bob Birrell, explained people are attracted to Australia for a number of reasons, including strong job prospects and a high standard of living.
"That along with the opening up of our migration program by successive governments has led to a record high influx of both permanent and temporary migrants in recent years," said Dr Birrell.
Australia Day takes place each year on January 26th and is a public holiday across the country.
Posted by Ravin Chatlani