Ethnicity: Australia's culturally diverse society includes its indigenous peoples and settlers from countries all around the world. Australia's population has quadrupled since the end of World War I, much of the increase stemming from immigration. Since 1945, over six million people from 200 countries have come to Australia as new settlers. People born overseas make up almost one quarter of the total population. By 2050, Australia's population is currently projected to reach around 42 million.
Language: Although Australia has no official language, English is so entrenched that it has become the de facto national language. In 1788, there were about 250 separate aboriginal languages spoken in Australia, plus dialects. Today, only two-thirds of these languages survive and only 20 of them are still strong enough to have chance of surviving well into the next century. In addition to these there are also the languages of immigrants from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
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History of Australia
Before the arrival of European settlers, aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples inhabited most areas of the Australian continent. Asian and Oceanic mariners and traders were in contact with these indigenous Australians for many centuries before the European expansion into the Eastern Hemisphere in the early 17th century. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 through the federation of six states under a single constitution.
Today Australia is one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic societies in the world. Over 200 languages are spoken, with English as 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.
Economy of Australia
Ranked third in the Index of Economic Freedom (2010), Australia is the world's thirteenth-largest economy and has the ninth-highest per capita GDP. The country was ranked second in the United Nations 2010 Human Development Index and first in Legatum's 2008 Prosperity Index.
Tourism is one of Australia's largest and fastest-growing industries. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, particularly wheat and wool, minerals such as iron-ore and gold, and energy in the forms of liquefied natural gas and coal. Although agriculture and natural resources account for only 3 per cent and 5 per cent of GDP respectively, they contribute substantially to export performance. Australia's largest export markets are Japan, China, the US, South Korea, and New Zealand. Australia is the world's fourth-largest exporter of wine, in an industry contributing $5.5 billion per annum to the nation's economy.
Interesting Facts about Australia
- Australia was originally called 'New South Wales'.
- The most popular sports in Australia are Australian Rules Football, rugby league and soccer.
- Australia is the only nation to occupy an entire continent.
- Australia's 85.7 million sheep (mostly merinos) produce most of the world's wool.
- With 25.4 million head of cattle, Australia is also the world's largest exporter of beef.
- Australians invented note-pads (1902), the surf lifesaving reel (1906), aspirin (1915), the pacemaker (1926), penicillin (1940) the Hills Hoist clothesline (1946), the plastic disposable syringe (1949), the wine cask (1965), the bionic ear (1978), dual-flush toilet flush (1980) anti-counterfeiting technology for banknotes (1992) and long-wearing contact lenses (1999).
