Introduction

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Country of Birth identifies the country in which a person was born. It can be used to indicate whether or not a person is an immigrant and the country group to which they belong. Country of Birth variables are used to assess the ethnic and cultural composition of the Australian population.

Country of Birth variables are often more useful when used with other variables to measure diversity in its broader sense, for example Language, and Religious Affiliation. Country of Birth can also be used to assess and monitor service needs of population groups within Australia, in conjunction with variables such as Year of Arrival in Australia and Proficiency in Spoken English.

Country of Birth is included within the minimum core indicators for use in measuring cultural and linguistic diversity.