Language and Religion in Australia

In Australia, people usually listen to contemporary pop music. Indigenous Australian musicians continue to perform traditional music, which occasionally combines with modern and European interpretations. Bunggul, Wangga, and Kun-borrk are examples of traditional musical genres, while didgeridoo or clapsticks are some of the instruments used. Australian folk music has been around for 40,000 years. 

Religion 

Although 52% of Australians identify as Christians, despite the fact that Christianity is the majority religion in the nation, there is no official national religion in Australia. As long as they don't infringe on the law, people in Australia are free to practice any religion they want. Australia's observance of religions from all over the world shows the country's cultural variety. International students in Australia should speak with their international student officer about the amenities available at their educational institution as the majority of universities and localities have facilities and places of worship for all religions. 

Language 

Although there is no official language in Australia, the majority of people speak English as their first language. Even a significant proportion of first- and second-generation migrants were among the 73% of Australians who only spoke English at home, according to the 2016 census. Australian English has a unique lexicon and accent. Australia has a huge variety of languages spoken since people have immigrated there from around 200 different nations. Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese, and Greek are among the additional languages spoken in Australia. There were once thought to be around 400 Australian Aboriginal languages, but today there are just 70 left, and all but 30 of them are endangered. 

Several traditions from Australia's ethnic and historical past are still practiced today. Here are a few that you need to be aware of: 

Holidays - Australians observe many of the same holidays as people in the West, as well as a few others that are specific to their culture. Anzac Day, a holiday established to remember Australians who have fallen in conflicts, is one of them. Veterans march through the streets as part of the celebration, and ceremonies are held all day long. Anzac Day, which commemorates the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, is observed on April 25. 

Food: In Australia, substantial amounts of meat and seafood are among of the most popular dishes. The infamous Vegemite, a black spread composed of yeast extract and salt that is frequently put on toast in the morning, the dessert Pavola, which has a fruity and creamy filling, and meat pies are examples of classic Australian fare. 

History of Land and People  

Aboriginals 

The original inhabitants of Australia are known as Indigenous Australians or Aboriginals. Around 70,000 years ago, they moved from Africa to Asia, and 40,000–50,000 years ago, they moved from Asia to Australia. Smallpox, measles, and tuberculosis were among the illnesses that the British introduced to Australia when they first settled there, severely harming the Aboriginal population. Additionally, the British took control of Australia's land and water resources, converting rural areas for sheep and cattle grazing. 

Migration and Economy in Australia 

Australia is one of the richest countries in the Asia-Pacific region and has seen sustained economic growth for more than two decades. Following the resignation of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2018, Scott Morrison established a minority Liberal Party administration and went on to pull off an unexpected victory in the parliamentary elections of 2019. Australia competes successfully in the global market for innovations, high-value manufactured commodities, and financial and insurance services. The United States, China, Japan, South Korea, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and most recently the United Kingdom are among the many countries with whom the country has free-trade agreements. High levels of foreign investment are attracted by Australia's diverse and rich natural resources, which include significant exportable quantities of coal, iron, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. 

The government passed the Immigration Restriction Act after the colonies came together as one federation. This policy was intended to limit immigration to people from Europe. This time frame is occasionally referred to as the White Australia Policy's beginning (an unofficial term). Immigrants applying for residency in Australia were obliged to compose a dictated statement that was given to them in any European language as part of the immigration test. Thousands of immigrants were prevented from entering thanks to this procedure; after 1909, no one passed the test. 

The Australian government promoted immigration to the nation after World War II. Many displaced post-war refugees found a home through this movement. However, over these 15 years, immigrants did not simply arrive from Europe. Many immigrants from Asia seized the chance to settle in Australia. 1.6 million individuals arrived between 1945 and 1960. Australia ranks as the 12th most free economy in the 2022 Index with an economic freedom score of 77.7. Australia is rated fourth out of 39 nations in the Asia-Pacific area, and its total rating is higher than both the average for the region and the entire world. 

Australia's economy is currently seeing a robust expansion. Despite the slowdown in global growth, this is anticipated to last for the duration of the forecast period. The positive domestic outlook is aided by the significant increase in national income brought on by strong commodity prices as well as the expansion of private spending and investment. As saving and spending patterns continue to normalize and the labor market continues to tighten, real household income is expected to increase through 2022 after dipping in the March quarter in reaction to the Omicron outbreak. Then, in 2023, growth is predicted to decrease as extraordinary policy assistance is removed, real income is weighed down by rising prices, and consumption growth falls to more typical rates. IMPACT OF COVID-19: As of December 1, 2021, 2,021 deaths in Australia had been attributable to the pandemic, and the country's stringent reaction to the crisis rated 13th among the nations in this Index. In 2020, the economy shrank by 2.4 percent. 

The GDP is anticipated to increase by 41.4 percent over 2022 and by 2% over 2023; these projections haven't altered much from three months ago (Table 5.1). The unemployment rate is anticipated to drop to roughly 312% in early 2023, somewhat below the prior prediction, and stay at or near this level for the remainder of the forecast period due to strong continuous demand for labor. As a result, labor expenses are predicted to increase more quickly than originally planned.