Religion | Population | Language | Sports | Arts | Entertainment | Architecture | Aboriginines
Australia's population is largely Christian. Their constitution assures freedom of religion. The Anglican religion represents 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christians 24.3%, and non Christian 11%. Since 1998 Buddhism and Muslim faiths have increased.
Australia only has three ethnic groups, which are Caucasian, Asian, and
Aboriginal. As you can see from the bar graph above Caucasian is predominant
with 92%, Asians stand for 7%, and Aboriginal depicts 1%.
back to top
Did you know that the Australian's use slightly different English then us in North America? Some examples are listed below.
Barbie =Barbecue
Bikie =Motorcycle Rider
Billabong =Waterhole in a dry riverbed
Bloke =Man
Boomer =Male Kangaroo
Bunyip =Mythical spirit animal of the bush
Chemist's =Drug Store
Fair Dinkum =Really, Honest
G'day =Hello
Jumbuck =Sheep
Jumper =Sweater
Lollies =Candies or sweets
Mate =Buddy or pal
Never-Never =The remote outback
No worries =I'll be all right
Oz =Australia
Walkabout =Long rambling trip
Waterbiscuit =Cracker
Wog =Flu
Wowser =spoilsport
Petrol =Gasoline
Telly =Television
Arvo =This Afternoon
Take A Load Off =Sit Down
According to Richard Pratt AC, Patron, "Australia's arts and cultural life is critical in helping to define who we are as a nation. Who we are and how we see ourselves matters enormously in developing our businesses and generating wealth." The Australia Business Arts Foundation is the best site for Australian business arts partnerships. Dame Elisabeth Murdock, Philanthropist, states that "our leaders in business and the arts need each other, and are more and more appreciating that patronage of the arts is not only rewarding for them, but very important for Australia's culture." Throughout the year, festivals mark a celebration of the arts and cultures.
Australia has been called an adventure playground. Australian sports include cricket, rugby league, rugby union, swimming and cycling. Other sports include basketball, yachting, golf, and soccer. Australia also has a number of entertainment businesses such as: casinos, cinemas, clubs, entertainment centers, Internet cafes, music stores and theaters. Some of the major attractions are: Sovereign Hill, The Gold Museum, Lake Wendouree and Her Majesty's Theater. The major events are: The Ballarat Swap Meet, Chilli Arts Festival, Ballarat Show, and the Springfest Extravaganza. These are just a few but there are many more.
The Opera House in Sydney is well now as an "architectural
gem" by many because it brought about many challenges. The architecture
of this building is amazing and took sixteen years to construct. The Danish
architect Jorn Utzon designed this $102 million dollar creation in 1957.
The roof of the Opera House is said to have a roof that looks like sails.
This unique structure of the roof was suppose to look like palm leaves according
to Utzon. The Opera House is just one of the exceptional components of architecture
in Australia.
back to top
Today many Aborigines live in the outback.The aborigines still live off the land by hunting kangaroos, gathering berries and seeds. Although many Aborigines live in the outback the majority live in cities. They live in poor houses, illiteracy, small pay, a large amount have no job ,and most have a low life expectancy. Also some people discriminate and are prejudice to them. The Aborigines culture is fading. We should do what we can to help.
Click here for information about the instrument called the didgeridoo.