Population
25,305,019 (2019)
Official language
English
Languages spoken
The main language in Australia is English, and it's used for all road signs, menus and vital information. There are also numerous Aboriginal dialects and Indigenous Australians still speak approximately 150 to 200 of the 260 dialects. Due to the multicultural nature of Australia, you'll probably also come across Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese communities who have made Australia their home since its colonisation.
Religion
While Christianity is the dominant religion, you won't come across major religious influences - only 25% of Australians identify with a specific religion.
National holidays
Across Australia, national holidays vary from state to state but the common ones are:
1st January: New Year's Day.
26th January: Australia Day, though discussions on its appropriateness persist, given its association with the colonisation of the country and its sensitivity towards the Indigenous population.
Late March to early April observes Easter, encompassing Good Friday to Easter Monday.
25th April: ANZAC Day, a commemoration honouring Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in the Gallipoli campaign of World War I and subsequent service to the nation.
25th December: Christmas Day.
26th December: Boxing Day.
History
Australia has been inhabited by Aboriginal Australians since approximately 50,000 BC. In the early 17th century, Dutch explorers arrived to its shores, followed by British colonisation which commenced in 1770. The complex interaction between Indigenous Australians and European settlers unfolded over centuries, generating ongoing tensions. Presently, efforts are being made by Australians and visitors to acknowledge and respect the intricate history and the traditional owners of the land.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Australia received many convicts from the UK and the country became renowned for its role as a penal colony. Post-sentence, a substantial number of ex-convicts, including men and women from the UK and Ireland, settled in Australia. Today, numerous Australian families trace their roots back to this era and Sydney and Melbourne have prisons and museums detailing this historical period.
On 1st January, 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was established. Subsequently, the nation experienced key global events such as World War I, World War II and The Great Depression. Despite shared historical events to the UK, Australia has cultivated a distinct modern identity and have moved away from various aspects of British culture.
Politics
Australia operates as a federation, comprising six states (South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria) and two territories (Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory) under the Commonwealth. The country also functions as a constitutional monarchy. A governor general represents King Charles III, while the legislative and political authority rests with Parliament, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.
As in the UK, the Prime Minister is appointed once their party secures a majority in the House of Representatives via a vote. Currently Australia has a two-party system dominated by the Liberal and Labour parties. The governor general official appoints a new Prime Ministers following an election of change in power and once this has happened, the Prime Minister can select their ministers.
Celebrity
Yagan (1795-1833) remains a prominent historical figure in Australia, renowned for his role in the Aboriginal resistance to colonisation in Western Australia. Another household name is Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson (1864-1941), a journalist and poet born in Narrambla (New South Wales) who is famous for writing ballads celebrating the Outback and rural Australia, including the iconic Waltzing Matilda and The Man from Snowy River.
Australia has a slew of celebrated actors, from the iconic Paul Hogan, who portrayed Aussie legend Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee to Hollywood stars like Luke and Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The nation also takes pride in its international sporting triumphs, particularly in cricket, tennis, and rugby, with many Australian players achieving global recognition.
Etiquette
Although tipping is not expected, an extra 10-15% for exceptional service at a bar or restaurant is always welcomed. In bars without table service, tip jars are often left on the counter (but again, it's optional). Many bars, restaurants and cafes add an additional service charge to the end of the bill but of course, if you feel that the service was not up to scratch you can have this removed (you just might get a scowl from the waiter).
While taxis, delivery drivers, hotel porters, service workers and guides don't expect tips it's always a nice way to show your appreciation for a service they've provided.
Beyond tipping, etiquette aligns closely with the norms of the UK and USA (aside from the queueing culture which is unique to us Brits).
Shopping
Australians are big believers in purchasing locally grown, produced and manufactured goods, reflecting the country's commitment to sustaining and supporting the national economy. Local farmers' markets are popular for sourcing fresh produce, and everyday supermarkets also predominantly sell Australian vegetables and meats.
Traditional Australian products, including opals, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones and leather goods, are made using native resources. Genuine Aboriginal paintings and crafted items are available in numerous galleries, helping to support the work of Indigenous artists. When shopping in a market be sure to ask about the artist who made the item, as replicas are often sold as originals but are mass produced and don't support the artist.
When it comes to retail therapy, visitors are spoilt for choice, with everything from department stores and malls to artisan markets and boutique outlets. Many international brands, including European ones, are present, and the country's proximity to Asia has resulted in a significant Asian influence as well. Keep an eye on prices though; shopping tends to be relatively expensive in Australia due to higher wage standards.
Food
Tasty, high quality food plays a big role in Aussie culture. The country has a prevailing trend of healthy living and has long catered to a variety of diets, so whether you're veggie, paleo, gluten free or a meat lover, it will be easy to find a meal that meets your needs.
Restaurants often prioritise local, seasonal produce utilising the country's diverse climates, from the cooler winter temperatures in Victoria and Tasmania to the tropical humidity of The Kimberley and Queensland. With various native ingredients - like lemon myrtle, bush tomatoes, hibiscus and wattle - as well as meats such as emu, kangaroo, crocodile and ostrich, creativity abounds in many local dishes.
And let's not forget about the famous Aussie barbecue. As a quintessential part of Australian cuisine, it's no wonder the locals take it seriously. Enjoy a burger and 'snag' (sausage) with some fresh salads and vegetables - the commitment to a healthy lifestyle applies here, too.
Drink
Australia has a strong drinking culture, with a thriving craft beer scene that includes numerous small breweries that are challenging mainstream brands. Classic selections like Carlton Draft, Toohey's and VB (Victoria Bitter) are prevalent in bottle shops, deviating from the Fosters stereotype portrayed in advertisements.
Wine holds a special place in the country, ranking as one of Australia's major exports and the world's fifth-largest exporter. Each region has a unique specialty owing to distinct climates, so you'll have to try a few to find your favourite white, red, rose and sparkling wine. Prominent winemaking regions, typically found in the south, include the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley and Margaret River, and it's well worth visiting the vineyards to taste their individual grapes.
In Australia, alcohol isn't sold in supermarkets, but in dedicated liquor stores, which are often adjacent to supermarkets, or nearby shops. There are also specialty stores which offer a selection of rare wines and spirits.
Beyond alcohol, there is a vibrant coffee culture, particularly in Melbourne, where smaller, locally-run cafes (of which there are hundreds) reign supreme.
