Today, 16,212 people will become Australian citizens across the country as part of Australia Day celebrations—the largest number ever to take the pledge on January 26.

This Australia Day is also a historic moment that defined and shaped our nation—the introduction of the first Australian citizenship law, 70 years ago today.

"Today, more than any other day, Australians are encouraged to celebrate and acknowledge what it means to be an Australian, and that is even more significant on the 70^th anniversary of Australian citizenship," Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said.

"Australia is the most successful migrant country in the world. Since 1949, we have welcomed more than five million new citizens to our shores.

"Australia Day is a time for us to give a warm welcome to our newest citizens and acknowledge the importance of what it means to become an Australian.

"As a nation, we truly value our Australian citizenship. Australia Day is an opportunity for all Australians, whether they are citizens by birth or by choice, to unite as a nation and celebrate what's great about Australia."

This Australia Day 16,212 people from 146 different countries will make the pledge to become Australian citizens at more than 365 ceremonies across the nation.

Australian citizenship ceremonies are an important part of our nation's celebrations with more people becoming citizens on Australia Day than any other day of the year.

In the past five years, more than 74,000 people have become citizens on Australia Day.

This year, the nation's largest citizenship ceremony, with about 1500 conferees, will take place in Parramatta Park, New South Wales, hosted by the City of Parramatta. Also in Sydney, 51 new citizens will be welcomed at a ceremony hosted by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, at Admiralty House and a special ceremony will take place on board HMAS Choules at Garden Island.

In our national capital, 28 conferees will become Australian citizens as part of the Australia Day national flag raising ceremony at Rond Terrace on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. In Melbourne, conferees will receive a loud round of applause at a ceremony hosted by the Melbourne Victory Football Club before their A-League game against Sydney FC.

"Australian citizenship is the common bond that unites all Australians while respecting diversity. On Australia Day we can, and should, celebrate together the success of our nation," Mr Coleman said.

"I congratulate all those becoming Australian citizens today."

Statistics

Conferrals and ceremonies by state or territory