Research Estimates Over Two Million Indigenous Australians in 1788, Revising Past Figures
New research estimates that over two million Indigenous people lived in Australia in 1788, significantly higher than the long-held figure of 300,000. This revision is based on genetic, archaeological, and environmental evidence, avoiding colonial-era population counts that underestimated numbers due to disease and displacement. The findings, published in Nature Human Behaviour, suggest more than 90% of the Indigenous population died within 70 years after British invasion, reshaping understanding of Australia's colonial history and its impacts.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (45/100). Lens Score 48/100.
Outlets measured: hindustantimes, news18. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (42–48/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
news18 broke this story on 16 Sept, 05:17 am. Other outlets followed.
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