MULTICULTURAL POPULATION
The population of Australia is 21,576,000 million (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009), which is comprised of one birth every 2 minutes and a net gain of one international migrant every 2 minutes. Nearly 25% of the population was born outside of Australia and have ethnic ties spanning over 140 countries, ranging from the indigenous groups, to early European settlers, particularly from the UK and Ireland, to immigrants from all countries across the globe, including Italy, Singapore, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka.
LANGUAGE
Although English is the official language of Australia, more than 2.4 million people speak another language at home.
Learning English in Australia is becoming very popular, and many people are coming to Australia to study English. There are several English language programs available in Australia for adults and children with varying competency levels to help them learn English. For adults, there are two programs available depending on your level of English language ability. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is targeted at recent arrivals in Australia, with a basic level of English, while the Advanced English for Migrants Program (AEMP) is suitable for permanent residents who are seeking employment in Australia and possess a sound (above basic) level of English.
There are a number of programs within the school system to assist children with speaking English. The government’s “English as a second language – new arrivals” scheme assists primary and secondary school students who require intensive language instruction. Schools also have special programs to help classroom teachers with the English language needs of these children.
GEOGRAPHY
Australia is the sixth largest continent in the world, yet it has the lowest population density, with only two people per square kilometer. It is a land of contrasts, from harsh deserts to huge grazing lands, from sweeping golden beaches and exotic coral reefs to mountain ranges, and from tropical rainforests to modern cities. It is world-renowned for its stunning landscapes. Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia is home to an abundance of animals and plants, many of which are unique to the continent.
WEATHER and CLIMATE
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GOVERNMENT and POLITICS
Online general resources to assist you with familiarizing yourself with Australian government and politics.
Govt. of Australia – Wikipedia
The Australian government is a democracy, with compulsory voting for those over 18 years of age ensuring a representative government. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of any democracy and Australians have no hesitation in expressing their views on political and controversial issues.
Common law is the basis of Australia’s legal system. The Parliament is based on the Westminster system of government and Australia is a member of the Commonwealth. Elected by the people of Australia, the Commonwealth Government of Australia governs the nation as a constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is also the Queen of Australia. Formally, she is the head of state, represented in Australia by a Governor-General. During the constitutional formation, Australia was greatly influenced by the American style of government. There are three levels of government: the Federal level (known as the Commonwealth), which includes a House of Representatives and a Senate; the State level; and the Local level. The Commonwealth Government or Federal Government is led by the Prime Minister of Australia; responsibilities at this level of government include nation-wide matters such as defence, trade, foreign affairs and telecommunications. Various State Governments are led by various State Premiers, and complements the activities of the Commonwealth Government, especially in the areas of education, social welfare and law enforcement. Local Governments are administered by locally-elected councillors. They are responsible for municipal activities such as town planning, building regulations, and waste disposal.