Lyla Lindsey
Australia is a country and continent in Oceania, which includes the Australian mainland and big islands such as New Zealand, Tasmania, and New Guinea. Australia is a member of the Commonwealth and has a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy with King Charles III at its apex. The country has a diverse range of cultures, with Sydney being the most multicultural city in Oceania, where about 40% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Australia is also known for its unique wildlife, with two-thirds of the world's marsupial species native to the country.
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What You'll Learn
Australia's external territories
Australia is a nation comprising six federated states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. In addition to these states, Australia also has ten federal territories, three of which are internal territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory on the Australian mainland.
The remaining seven are external territories:
- Ashmore and Cartier Islands: This territory was accepted by Australia in 1934 and was annexed to the Northern Territory before the adoption of the Statute of Westminster in 1942, which took effect from 1939.
- Australian Antarctic Territory: This territory is governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
- Christmas Island: Christmas Island is one of the most unique places in the world, known for its incredible diving spots and annual crab migration. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 2,605 kilometres northwest of Perth and 490 kilometres southwest of Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands: The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are another external territory of Australia, located in the Indian Ocean. They offer relaxing beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a fascinating Cocos Malay culture.
- Coral Sea Islands Territory: This territory comprises islands situated in an area of approximately 780,000 square kilometres in the Coral Sea, extending from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Heard Island and McDonald Islands: Although uninhabited, these islands are considered part of Australia by the central government. They are governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
- Norfolk Island: Norfolk Island is one of Australia's most geographically isolated communities and oldest territories, located about 1,600 kilometres northeast of Sydney in the Pacific Ocean. Its status is controversial, with the Australian government taking measures to integrate the territory, while the Norfolk Islanders assert their distinct identity and non-consent to this change.
In addition to the current external territories, it is worth noting that two Oceanic countries, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Nauru, were once administered by the federal government of Australia as external territories between 1902 and 1975.
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Multiculturalism in Sydney and Melbourne
Australia is a multicultural country, with a steady increase in the proportion of overseas-born and second-generation migrants since the end of World War II. Sydney and Melbourne, two of the country's largest cities, are notable examples of cultural diversity and "everyday multiculturalism".
Sydney, the most multicultural city in Oceania, boasts more than 250 spoken languages, with about 40% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. In 2021, the Sydney Inner City had the highest number of countries of birth, with almost half (47.9%) of its 218,000 population born outside of Australia and originating from 183 different countries. Auburn, in western Sydney, had the highest proportion of overseas-born residents in 2021, at 61.7%, up from 60% in 2016. Sydney's cultural diversity is also reflected in its localities, such as Chinatown, Leichhardt, and Cabramatta, where visitors can experience different cuisines and cultural offerings.
Melbourne, Victoria's cultural hub, is also a multicultural city. It is home to the largest Greek-speaking population outside of Europe and the second-largest Asian population in Australia. The city's cultural diversity is showcased in places like the National Gallery of Victoria, which is the oldest and largest museum in the continent and Oceania.
The cultural diversity in Sydney and Melbourne is not limited to language and cuisine but also extends to religion. While Christianity is the predominant religion in Australia, large proportions of Australians belong to other faiths or none at all. Melbourne and Sydney have significant populations of other religions, including Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
The embrace of multiculturalism in Sydney and Melbourne has enhanced the cultural identity and social cohesion of these cities, contributing to the overall diversity of Australia. The country's cultural diversity is measured through census questions on ancestry, country of birth, English proficiency, language spoken, Indigenous status, and religious affiliation, providing insights into the increasing complexity and ethnic diversity of Australia's population.
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Aboriginal communities
Australia is a single country made up of several territories, states, and external territories. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people are the first peoples of Australia. They are not one group but comprise hundreds of groups with distinct languages, histories, and cultural traditions.
There are over 200 remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia, with about 12,000 people living in them. Another 3,000 Aboriginal people live in 37 town-based communities. Most of these communities are in the Kimberley region, with others in the Pilbara, Goldfields, and Mid West-Gascoyne regions. Parnngurr, for example, is a remote Aboriginal community located on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia. The state government is working with Native Title groups and Aboriginal communities to resolve claims and leverage community-defined opportunities.
In 2020, a new National Agreement on Closing the Gap was signed, marking a shift in the approach to the framework. The agreement was developed in partnership between Australian governments and the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations. It focuses on changing the way governments work with First Nations people.
The health and welfare of First Nations people vary depending on their location. Those living in big cities have different health and welfare needs compared to those in the Torres Strait or on the outskirts of Alice Springs. Colonisation has had a significant impact on the disadvantage and poor health of First Nations peoples, with ongoing effects contributing to inequities in their health and wellbeing. However, cultural factors such as connection to Country, language, self-determination, and cultural expression can positively influence their health and wellbeing.
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Australian culture and its influences
Australia's culture is diverse and unique, with influences from its Indigenous peoples, British colonial history, and more recent global trends. The country's abundant natural resources and diverse landscapes have also played a significant role in shaping its culture and lifestyle.
The Indigenous peoples of Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, have the oldest surviving culture on Earth, with evidence of their art dating back at least 30,000 years. Their diverse languages and philosophies, and ceremonial dances that recount stories of the Dreamtime have been central to Australian culture for thousands of years. The country's unique wildlife and natural landscapes, including its beaches, have influenced the development of a nature-loving culture, with Australians enjoying outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and various sports.
British colonisation began in 1788 and brought with it Western influences, including the English language, Christianity, and a democratic parliamentary system. Early colonial sports were influenced by British heritage, and many Australians remain passionate about sports such as cricket and various football codes. Australia's inclusion in global events, such as the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games, has also contributed to its cultural identity.
Australia's multiculturalism has been shaped by large-scale immigration from non-English-speaking nations, with almost a third of the population born overseas. Sydney, in particular, is the most multicultural city in Oceania, with more than 250 different languages spoken. This diversity has influenced Australian cuisine, with a variety of international foods available, as well as the country's arts and cultural scene.
American popular culture has also strongly influenced Australia since the mid-20th century, particularly through television and cinema. Global movements, including advertising, have contributed to the evolution of Australian culture, with corporations associating their brands with Australian identity.
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Australia's relationship with the US
Australia and the US have a close relationship, with strong defence, security, and trade ties. Both countries have a shared history as former British colonies and fought together in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror.
The ANZUS security agreement, the AUKUS security partnership, and the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) formalise the relationship between the two countries. The US and Australia also share membership in several international organisations, including the United Nations, G20, World Trade Organization, and the OECD.
The US is Australia's largest foreign investor, with Australian investment in the US concentrated in software, IT services, business services, and healthcare. US firms have operated in Australia for over 100 years, employing more than 300,000 Australians, and are the largest taxpayers, wage payers, and contributors to GDP among foreign companies in Australia.
The US and Australia also have a strong defence relationship, with the US-Australia Force Posture Agreement signed in 2014 paving the way for closer defence and security cooperation, including the annual rotation of Marines to Darwin and enhanced rotations of US Air Force aircraft to Australia. The two countries also regularly participate in joint military exercises, such as the biennial Talisman Saber, and have a 75-year-old intelligence-sharing partnership.
Cultural ties between the two countries are also strong, with American popular culture strongly influencing Australia since the mid-20th century, particularly through television and cinema. Australia is a popular study abroad destination for US students, and Australian athletes are increasingly making their presence felt in US professional sports leagues, such as the NBA and NFL.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is a single country that does not share its continent with any other country. However, it is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The Commonwealth is an organisation made up of 56 independent countries, most of which used to be governed by the United Kingdom.
Yes, Australia has several external territories, including the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, and the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Australia is a multicultural country with a broad spectrum of cultures drawn from many lands. Sydney, for example, has more than 250 different languages spoken, with about 40% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
