Culture of Australia

Australia Society and Culture Australia's has diverse culture and lifestyle. Australia's original inhabitants, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, are the custodians of one of the world's oldest continuing cultural traditions. Rest of Australia's people are migrants or descendants of migrants who have arrived in Australia from different countries since Great Britain established the first European settlement at Sydney Cove in 1788. Australia has a population of around 23 million people. 25.6 per cent of the estimated resident population comprised those born overseas.

Within the framework of Australia's laws, all Australians have the right to express their culture and beliefs and to participate freely in Australia's national life. Everyone is expected to uphold the principles and shared values that support Australia's way of life. These include:

• respect for equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual
• freedom of speech and association
• freedom of religion and a secular government
• support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law
• equality under the law
• equality of men and women
• equality of opportunity
• peacefulness
• a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion for those in need.

Australia also holds firmly to the belief that no one should be disadvantaged on the basis of their country of birth, cultural heritage, language, gender or religious belief.

The unemployment rate is relatively low (in December 2007 it was 4.3 per cent) and the gross per capita income is around $39 000. All people are equal under the law in Australia and all Australians have the right to be respected and treated in a fair manner.

Language
All people in Australia are encouraged to learn English, which is the national language and an important unifying element of Australian society. However, languages other than English are also valued.

Religious worship
Australia is a predominantly Christian country, with around 64 per cent of all Australians identifying as Christians. However, most other major religious faiths are also practised, reflecting Australia's culturally diverse society.

Indigenous Australians have their own unique religious traditions and spiritual values. Australia has no official state religion and people are free to practise any religion they choose, as long as they obey the law. Australians are also free not to have a religion.

Vibrant arts scene
Australia has a vibrant arts scene that reflects both the nation's Indigenous cultural traditions and its rich mosaic of migrant cultures. All forms of the visual and performing arts have strong followings, including film, art, theatre, dance and music.

A sporting culture
Australians love their sport, both playing it and watching it.Australia is also ranked the top cricketing nation in the world. Australia has often achieved impressive results at the elite level Sports Tournaments.

Australia has one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, thanks to Asian and European migrant influences. Australia has no national Cusine.

Australia, one of the world's most efficient agricultural nations, produces high–quality vegetables, fruit and grains, meat, poultry, seafood, and cheeses and other dairy products.

The Australian wine sector is recognised internationally as producing a full range of high-quality wine styles and varietals to match any dish, from full-bodied reds and deep fruity whites to sparkling, dessert and fortified wines. Obeying the law.

Clothing
The types of clothing that people wear reflect the diversity in Australian society and the variations in climate. There are no laws or rules on clothing, but Australians are expected to wear certain clothing in work situations — most workplaces have dress standards.

Reference- dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Australia