Living in Australia - Facts and Information

Introduction

A lot has changed in Australia since its original inhabitants, the Australian Aborigines, who lived in complex social systems with traditions that reflected their deep connection with the land and nature. From that time until the arrival of the first European explorers, convicts, free settlers and recent immigrants, Australia has survived wars, depressions and political scandals; created dynamic cities and legends of “the bush” and the “Aussie battler” and provided new beginnings for people from all over the world.

History

Before the arrival of European settlers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples inhabited most areas of the Australian continent. The Australian Aborigines have the longest continuous cultural history in the world, with origins dating back to the last Ice Age.

Europeans began to explore Australia in 16th century. Portuguese navigators were followed by Dutch explorers and the enterprising English pirate William Dampier. Captain James Cook sailed the entire east coast in 1770 and he claimed the continent for the British and named it New South Wales.

Britain decided to use its new outpost as a penal colony; the First Fleet of 11 ships carried about 1500 people—half of them convicts. The fleet arrived in Sydney Harbor on 26 January 1788, and it is on this day every year that Australia Day is celebrated.

Australia became a nation when federation of its separate colonies took place on 1st of January 1901. The non-Indigenous population at the time of Federation was 3.8 million. Half of these lived in cities, three-quarters were born in Australia, and the majority was of English, Scottish or Irish descent.

The founders of the new nation believed they were creating something new and were concerned to avoid the pitfalls of the old world. They wanted Australia to be harmonious, united and egalitarian, and had progressive ideas about human rights, the observance of democratic procedures and the value of a secret ballot.

The country was hard hit by the depression when the prices for wool and wheat (two main products of the economy) plunged in the ‘30s. By 1933 Australian economy started to recover. When World War II broke out, Australian troops fought alongside with the British troops in Europe, but ultimately it was the United States of America that helped protect Australia from the advancing Japanese air force in the Battle of the Coral Sea.

After World War II, a flood of European immigrants came to Australia who, since then, made an enormous contribution to the country, lifting its culture and broadening its vision.

Today Australia is one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic societies in the world. Over 200 languages are spoken, with English the common language.

The nation has thriving ethnic media, an international business reputation, an innovative artistic community, diverse religious and cultural activities and variety in foods, restaurants, fashion and architecture.

Useful Websites: www.australia.com - Australia's official, federal government-run tourism site.