About Australia
- Australian History
- Diversity and Multi-culturalism
- Language in Australia
- Australian Families
- Australian Landscape
- Australian Climate
- Australian Wildlife
- Australian Social Culture
- Australian Lifestyle
- Other Links
Australian History
Australia is one of the oldest continents on earth. Until 1901 Australia was a British colony. In 1901 the Australian constitution was formed and today a Federal Government unites the individual states.
Australia has a very peaceful history. It has not experienced large-scale war or civil unrest of any kind.
Before the arrival of European settlers in 1788 Australia was inhabited by the indigenous people of Australia - the Aboriginals. Australia is now a multi-cultural society built on over 200 years of immigration from more than 180 countries.
Diversity and Multi-Culturalism
Approximately 25% of the population of Australia was born overseas and 17% of Australians speak a language other than English at home. The majority of Australians are extremely welcoming of people from other nations.
The Australian Government promotes public acceptance of diversity and multi-culturalism and Australia has equal opportunity laws that prevent any person from discriminating against another because of race, culture, religion or gender.
Australia is home to a diverse range of religions and the Australian constitution protects an individual's right to freely practice their religion. You can celebrate your festivals openly in Australia .
Australia has a fantastic variety of food available. There are restaurants and cafes of nearly all cultures in most cities.
Australian cities are small by world standards but the country is still considered to be highly urbanised. Nearly 60% of all Australians live in the 7 capital cities ( Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane , Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin ).
Language in Australia
English is the official language of Australia , but there are many words and phrases used here which are uniquely Australian and that you will not hear in other English speaking countries. Often overseas students say they did not realise that Australians used so many unusual words.
Although English is the official language of Australia , over 200 languages are spoken throughout the country.
Australian Families
Aproximately 20% of Australians in the workforce own their own business. The rest are employed in the private or public sectors. In many families both partners work. Australian families are small and most families have only 1 or 2 children. In general Australians don't have a tradition of extended families where several generations live together.
It sometimes seems to visitors that Australians do not look after their elderly relatives, but Australians definitely regard families as important and for many events Australian families involve grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in celebrations.
When children grow up they leave the family home and start another household. Many visitors are surprised that the authority of fathers is not stronger and that children often challenge their parents' opinions. Much of this behaviour is a demonstration of the Australian tradition of equality.
Australian Landscape
Australia was once part of the giant continent Gondwana which included Africa , South America and India. About 150 million years ago Australia and Antarctica split from Gondwana and 1 million years later Australia broke away from Antarctica and moved north.
Australia is the world's flattest continent. It has only one large mountain range which runs down the East coast from Queensland to Victoria and is actually made up of several connected mountain groups.
The landscape ranges from coastal uplands, through plains, deserts and tablelands.
Australian Climate
Australia is the driest continent in the world and lack of water has affected the population settlement throughout the country. 70% of the country is considered arid or semi-arid and cannot support agriculture.
There are many climatic zones in Australia because of its size. In the North it is tropical and experiences a wet season from December to March. In the Southern two-thirds of the country the climate can be warm temperate to cool temperate. In the far South in Tasmania , the temperature drops to below zero in the winter months.
Due to the changes in landscape and climate Australia provides many unique tourist opportunities ranging from Central Australia and Uluru to the world heritage listed Daintree forest in Queensland .
Australian Wildlife
Due to its physical isolation from other countries Australia has many plants and animals that are not found anywhere else in the world. The kangaroo is probably the best known Australian native animal and can be found in every state. Australian vegetation varies from wet tropical rainforests in the north to desert plants in the inland.
Australian Social Culture
Australians come from many parts of the world, but they share many common values.
Australia is a truly democratic society and every Australian believes they have the right to express their views and opinions about many aspects of government. Australians generally respect the rights of others even though they may not agree with their views. Australians are free to choose and practice the religion of their choice and are free to meet with other people in public or private, in small or large groups for social or political purposes.
When Australians meet someone for the first time they usually shake right hands. It is usual to look at a person's eyes when you are talking to them and maintaining eye contact is considered a sign of respect, as well as an indication that you are listening to the other person. It is considered impolite to ask someone you have only recently met, about their age, their marital status or how much they earn.
The words "Please" and "Thank You" form part of most Australian conversations and Australians tend to think that people who do not use these terms are rude.
Time-keeping is important in Australian society. If you are likely to be late for a meeting or an appointment you would be expected to contact the person to let them know and to apologise.
Australian Lifestyle
The working week in Australia is usually Monday to Friday. Most office workers do not work on Saturday or Sunday. Australians love to celebrate and enjoy spending time away from work with their families on weekends and public holidays. Many public holidays are celebrated Australia wide, but some are only for individual states. On weekends most Australians wear casual clothing and spend time on recreational activities.
Most Australian workers have 4 weeks annual leave from their employment each year, and this is often taken at one time when families travel to other parts of the country or overseas.
Other Links
These links will take you to external sites. Sites will open in a separate window, and are in English unless otherwise indicated.
