Map of Australia
The Map of Australia above shows where the
society is regarded in the wider world as essentially British or
at any rate Anglo-Celtic and until the mid-20th century that portrayal was
fairly accurate. The ties to Britain and Ireland were scarcely affected by
immigration from other sources until then, although local concentrations of
Germans, Chinese, and other ethnic groups had been established in the 19th
century.
Although some nine-tenths of Australia's
population is European in ancestry, more than one-fifth is foreign born, and
there is a small but important (and growing) Aboriginal population. Look at the
map of Australia above and see where the Tropic of Capricorn is located. That is
Aboriginal Area.
Of those born overseas, about half were born in
Europe; though by far the largest proportion of those are from the United
Kingdom, there are sizable numbers of Chinese, Italians, Greeks, Germans, and
Dutch.
Nevertheless, there are also large groups of
New Zealanders, non-Chinese Asians, Middle Easterners, Africans, and North
Americans. The growth in immigration, particularly Asian immigration (from
China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines) beginning in the last decades of
the 20th century, combined with a subsequent flow of refugees from the Balkans,
has altered the cultural landscape, imbuing Australia with a cosmopolitanism
that it lacked in the mid-20th century.
Australia
Australia is best described by people who have
actually been there. The author of this article has been there and we are glad
he has allowed us to reprint his thoughts and observations about the county.
By using information from authors and websites
we are better able to save you time and energy looking about the Internet
searching out valuable information. We do it for you as part of our growing
website.
Australia is a very diverse country
geographically and a hot spot for tourism. If you are thinking about heading
down under, here is some information on Australia.
An Overview of Australia for Travelers
Australia is its own continent, the only
country in the world that can say as much. It covers roughly 3 million square
miles and is about the size of the continental United States. The capital is
Canberra, but Sydney is the biggest city with 4.2 million people. The climate of
Australia is extremely dry inland with more temperate conditions along the
coast. The population centers are primarily along the coast due to soaring
temperatures inland.
Australia was originally inhabited by
Aboriginal tribes. In 1770, Captain Cook claimed the land for Great Britain. In
1788, the first colony was established in New South Wales. Most of the colonists
were convicted criminals from Great Britain. Gold was discovered soon thereafter
and Australia became a destination for immigrants seeking fortune and a new
start in life.
On the far northern coast, Australia is home to
one of the amazing sites in the world. The great barrier reef is a water
enthusiasts dream. With incredible plant life, the reef is world renowned as a
divers paradise. A watchful eye is advised given the presence of the Great White
Shark in the area.
Australia is a Commonwealth. The federal powers
are mapped somewhat after those in the United States, but no bill of rights
exists. Unlike the U.S., the individual territories retain significant authority
over their own affairs.
Australia was often considered the forgotten
country. Long distance transportation changed that designation. Now it is one of
the hottest tourist destinations year in and year out.