Australia – people and history
It is believed that Australia’s original inhabitants, the Australian Aborigines, have the longest continuous cultural history, having first arrived in Australia approximately 50,000 years ago. It is estimated that there were between 350,000 and 750,000 Aborigines inhabiting Australia at the time of white settlement, speaking over 500 regional dialects. The Aboriginal culture, renowned for its deep spirituality and unique dance, music and art forms contributes greatly to the rich cultural status of modern Australia.
In 1770, British sailor and explorer Captain James Cook, discovered the South-East coast of Australia, and 18 years later in 1788, the First Fleet arrived from Britain to colonise Australia. The fleet, headed by Captain Arthur Philip, comprised 11 ships and carried 750 male and female convicts, four companies of marines and supplies for two years. Captain Philip arrived in Botany Bay on 26 January 1788, but soon moved north to Sydney Cove, where there was better land and water.
Many British free settlers migrated to the new colony in the decades following white settlement. In the 1850s, gold was discovered in New South Wales and Victoria; the Gold Rush era had begun and with it the beginnings of multicultural Australia. Migrants from all over Europe and Asia rushed to Australia to make their fortune. By 1901 the separate colonies combined to establish the federation of Australia and we formalised the birth of the Australian nation.. Despite this momentous event, Australia continues to remain a colony of the British Commonwealth.
Today, Australian citizens come from all corners of the globe. Approximately 25% of Australia citizens were born overseas, with the majority of these coming from the UK, New Zealand, Greece, Italy, Germany, China and Vietnam. Although English is the official language of Australia, there are around 200 different languages spoken by Australian citizens with 16% of the population speaking a language other than English at home.
Although modern Australia has a relatively short history, the nation has grown into one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cultures in the world. Australia’s unique culture, beautiful and diverse landscape, and the friendly and relaxed manner of Australian people make it a great place to visit or live.