Geography of Australian rules football

Australian rules football is a sport played in many countries around the world. In 2006, about 16,000 people played in structured competitions outside of Australia and at least 20 leagues that are recognised by the game's governing body, exist outside Australia. This figure had grown to a total of 34,845 players by the end of 2007. In contrast, there are over 800,000 players in Australia where the game is at its strongest; overseas players make up less than 2% of the total players worldwide.Australian rules football is played professionally only by men in Australia and is a major spectator sport in Australia and Nauru.