Live The Ozi life

Getting To Know Australia

In making your decision to move to Australia and before living the Australian life there are some interesting facts you should know about this vast country. Take a read through some interesting information, facts and figures. If there’s anything more you need to know email us at mapsa@iinet.net.au.

Geography And Climate

Australia is the smallest continent in the world but the 6th largest country. It has an approximate land mass of 7,692,030 km², which is 32 times larger than that of the United Kingdom. Majority of its land size includes islands surrounding the mainland, which are estimated to be over 32,000 km². Altogether there are at least 8,222 islands within Australia’s maritime borders.

The climate in varies a great deal as a direct result of Australia’s vast area and latitudinal range from north to south of the continent. 

The seasonal temperature also fluctuates substantially. Average temperatures usually range from 28´C in the west to 4´C in the alpine areas in the south east. In July winter temperatures are recorded at their lowest level all around the continent. In January and February the south of Australia experience their warmest month, and the north experience their warmest month in November and December.

Rainfall fluctuates over the different areas in Australia. Due a lack of mountainous barriers, low plains and marked depressions, Australia’s rainfall is plentiful in some areas but lacking in others. If there is a lack of rainfall extensive utilisation of ground water resources occurs, as well as an extensive development of reservoirs dams, large tanks and other storage facilities. Hence rainfall is a very significant factor in determining land usage and rural production in Australia. In the south rain is usually prominent during winter, whereas in the north it is prominent during summer. Queensland’s east coast usually records the highest average annual rainfall.

Population

Currently Australia’s population growth rate is at a near-record level. Its rates are almost reaching the peak set after World War II. The preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) of Australia at 31 March 2009 was 21,779,000 persons. This was an increase of 439,100 persons since 31 March 2008 and 135,100 persons since 31 December 2008. 

Hence Australia’s population grew by 2.1 % during the 12 months ended 31 March 2009. This increase in Australia’s total population growth was the result of overseas migration, as arrivals from overseas contributed to 63% of the increase, with preliminary net overseas migration for the year ended 31 March 2009 of 278,200 persons. Natural increase contributed to the rest of this growth increase (37%), with preliminary natural increase recorded for the year ended 31 March 2009 of 160,800 persons, higher than the natural increase recorded for the year ended 31 March 2008 of 139,700 persons.

All states and territories experienced a positive population growth over the year ended 31 March 2009, with Western Australia recording the largest percentage gain (3.1%) and Tasmania recording the smallest (1.0%).

Australia is an aging country as majority of the population are aged 65 and over. The proportion of children aged 15 and under continues to decline over the years, as the proportion of people aged 65 have been increasing since the early 1960’s.

Languages

Although Australia has no official language, English is the primary language used. It is the single spoken language in homes for approximately 80% of all the population. Other commonly spoken languages at homes include Chinese (2.1%), Italian (1.9%), Vietnamese (1.7%) and Greek (1.4%), as a considerable amount of migrants are bilingual.

Australian English has its own unique accent and vocabulary.

The country has its own indigenous language which is the main language for approximately 50,000 Aboriginal people. When Europeans first made contact with Australia over 400 years ago there were between 200 to 300 Australian Aboriginal languages spoken. 70 of these languages survived and currently only 20 of these remain and are endangered.

Australia also has their own sign language, Auslan which is the main language for approximately 6,500 deaf people.

Religion

Although Australia has no official religion, Christianity is the primary religion, as approximately 64% of the population identify as Christians. However people have the freedom to practice any religion they choose provided they obey the laws of the country. Hence most other religious faiths are practiced, demonstrating Australia’s multicultural society.

In 1996 71% of the population stated they were affiliated with a Christian religion, with 27% of respondents stating they were Catholic, 22% stating they were Anglican and 21.9% stating they were affiliated with another Christian denomination. However, over the years Australians stating that they are affiliated with any religion has been gradually decreasing. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism are currently showing a large increase in religious affiliations.

Australians also have the freedom to not have religion.

Society And Culture 

Australia is probably one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. It continues to reap the benefits of its multicultural makeup enjoying a great deal of ideas, cuisines and lifestyle opportunities.

It is estimated that every 4 minutes and 8 seconds Australia acquires another international immigrant. Recent figures show that 23% of the population is foreign-born and over 40% of all Australians are from different cultural backgrounds. It is thought that majority of foreign born have arrived from Italy and Greece after World War II, and more recently from New Zealand, UK, China, Vietnam, Africa and India.

At least 2.2% of Australia’s population consists of people of Aboriginal origin and Torres Strait Islanders, who mainly live in the Northern Territory, in north Queensland and on the islands of the Torres Strait between Cape York and Papua New Guinea.

Food

Australia is not only renowned for its famous meat pies, mushy peas, vegemite, damper and pavlova, but also for its variety and vastness in cuisine culture. This reflects Australia’s culturally diverse society. Hence immigration to Australia since 1945 has been a significant factor on Australian culture, especially on what Australians eat and drink. Till today Australians have a growing interest in multicultural foods and drinks from all over the world including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, India and Africa. The largest influence of popular foods in Australia is Asian cuisine followed closely by Italian and Greek dishes such as pizza, pasta and Mediterranean seafood.

Recently in Australia there has also been a growing interest and awareness of cultural and religious food requirements, such as Hala and Kosher practices.

One of the most remarkable Australian food experiences would be to try the traditional Aboriginal bush tucker, which is comprised of foods from native plants and animals. However as most Australians live in the coastal areas and access to bush foods is limited, the Aboriginal bush tucker is not actively sought. Yet for this reason a rich diet of seafood is common, such as fresh fish, prawns, scallops or oysters.

Sport

Sporting in Australia is very popular and widespread, and Australia has been blessed to have an ideal climate and economy that permits Australians to participate and watch sports. The levels of participation and observation are much higher in this country than in many other countries.

Although Australia has a small population compared to other countries, their achievement in sport is outstanding. Testimony to this are Australia’s sporting heroes Don Bradman, John Landy, Ron Clarke, Ian Thorpe, Cathy Freeman, Dawn Fraser, Kieran Perkins, Llyeton Hewitt, Shane Gould and many others. Australia’s sporting success is not only limited to individuals but includes their cricket, swimming and rugby teams. Evidence to this is Australia’s level of achievement in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and international sporting events.

Throughout the country a number of different sports are played. The number one most watched sport is a local one, Australian Football League (AFL). It is commonly known throughout the country as “footy” and is played in all Australian states and territories. It was established in Melbourne with the purpose to keep cricket players fit. If you drive through Melbourne today you will pass Carlton, Richmond, Essendon, St Kilda, Collingwood, Hawthorn and North Melbourne, which all have their very own team in the AFL. This sport is also popular among the indigenous community with 10% of AFL players being of Aboriginal origin.

Other sports that draw the most interest include swimming, cricket, tennis, rugby, soccer and motorsport.

Beaches

Australia not only boasts the world's best beaches but possesses more beaches than any other country. Their huge coastline stretch for over 37,000 km and is home to most of Australia’s population.

The beach occupies a very special place in Australia’s identity. They are not privately owned but free for all to enjoy. Some people live so close to the beach that they visit it every night and others use the beach for relaxation and fun. It is a great destination for annual holidays, when many people enjoying visiting crowded city beaches, popular holiday spots and even quieter beaches located in the coastal national parks. On New Year’s Eve it is best to visit city beaches in Sydney and Adelaide which provide more than enough entertainment and fireworks. On Australia Day nearly all beach in the country hosts citizenship ceremonies and provide plenty of family entertainment. Bondi Beach in Sydney is the most popular beach to visit during Christmas time where it attracts over 40,000 people on Christmas day.

Majority of Australians love the beach simply because they get the opportunity to surf and lie in the sun, or sail, para-sail, fish, scuba dive and snorkel. Coast sightseeing is also a popular activity.

Environment

The culture of the Indigenous people has been largely shaped by Australia’s natural environment. Today the identity of all Australians is still being shaped by a relationship with the country’s land and its forms, flora and fauna.

Australia is largely made up of desert or semiarid, with 91% of the country covered by native vegetation and 40% of the country being covered by sand dunes.

Australia is one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries. For over 45 million years it had been isolated from all other continents. This resulted in the most distinct and diverse natural realm in the world. Australia’s mammals, reptiles, birds and plants have taken their own separate evolutionary journey resulting in the country’s plants and animals reputed as being the closest thing to alien life one would encounter on Earth. It is home to more than 1,000,000 different species of plants and animals, many of which cannot be found in any other country.

At least 24,000 species of native plants have been found in Australia. The most common species of Australian fauna include acacia, eucalyptus, grevillea, melaleuca, eremophila, and haemodoraceae. These native plants vary across the country due to the different natural environments. In the tropical regions many native fruit trees, such as figs and green plums can be identified, and in regions where water is limited the plants are sparsely distributed over the land.

A variety of native species of wildlife in Australia have been identified. Majority of Australian native mammals are marsupials, with over 200 species including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums, Tasmanian devils and Tasmanian wolves. Marsupials give birth to their young and then carry them in a pouch until they are old enough to survive independently. Australia is also home to the only two types of monotremes in the world, the platypus and the echidna.

Tertiary Education

Education is Australia's third largest export. Australia has a world-class education system and a reputation for providing quality education in a clean, affordable and safe environment. More than 200,000 students study in institutions across Australia in such sectors as higher education, vocational education and training, English Language colleges, and schools. As it stands, Australia is the third most popular destination in the English-speaking world. Furthermore, Australia offers many interesting places to study.

Besides our educational institutes making important breakthroughs in science and research, Australian universities and vocational training centres also put a premium on preparing their students for the workforce. Many of the 200,000 overseas students who study in Australia remain here when they graduate and become part of our skilled workforce. They do this via the Australian Onshore Skilled Migration program. 

The Australian Government ensures the quality of Australian institutions and courses in a number of ways. Institutions must be accredited and courses offered to international students must be approved and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Qualifications offered to students must fit the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Being Qualified Education Agent Counsellors (QEAC), MAPSA staff can assist you with your educational goals – and all the daunting administration, i.e., enrolment and applying for visas, that go along with that. MAPSA staff will guide you on the pathway that will best meet your needs and full potential.

Australia is a land of opportunity in all sectors of education.

Laws In Australia

People in Australia have the freedom to do as they please in accordance with Australian laws and regulations that have been established by democratically elected governments to maintain an orderly, free and safe society. If any person disobeys the laws they face the possibility of criminal prosecution or civil action. Criminal offences that are regarded as serious include murder, assault, sexual assault, paedophilia, fraud, armed robbery or theft, violence against people or property, possession and use of illegal drugs, dangerous driving and having sexual relations with young people who are aged below the legal age of consent (which varies in the different states). Other general laws include: the carrying of weapons is illegal, bribing for services is illegal, you must be over 18 years to purchase cigarettes, you can only consume alcohol if you are over 18 years, you can only drive a car if you have a valid drivers license, and you cannot smoke in shopping centres, restaurants, on public transport and other public places.

Although Australian social customs and practices are not binding, people are also expected to follow them.