• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

AustraliaThe root of the name Australia comes from the word "southern," which in Latin is australis. Legends of an "unknown land of the south" (terra australis incognita) have been popular in Europe since the Roman times and when Australia was founded by the Europeans this land was assumed to be this legendary land so got the name, which eventually evolved into the modern day spelling of "Australia."

Introduction:

The Australian culture and way of life begin with the aboriginal people, who continue to survive today in small numbers. These people, often divided by desert or other geographic barriers, occupied this massive land for thousands of years as each individual group of people grew and developed in differing ways. However, today the British and European influence is what most visitors see on a visit to Australia.

The aboriginal people developed different culture and lifestyles, but nearly everyone lived off the lands, whether that be as a farmer, a fisher, or a gatherer. These people learned what the land could offer and many people survived in very harsh conditions. However, the people were also extremely diverse as they spoke different languages, ate different foods, and had different social and political organizations.



With the arrival and settlement of the Europeans in the 1600-1700s, many of these aboriginal people died and with them their languages and cultures were lost. However, many others, particularly those in the deserts, survived and maintain their traditions, languages, and culture today to varying degrees.

European settlement on the island was slow at first since the British saw little economic value in the lands. However, in the late 1700s immigration began in larger numbers, especially in the form of criminals as the lands became a penal colony. However, a free colony was also established as the lands grew in various forms, with different cultures and lifestyles. The aboriginals continued to live off the land in the country's interior, as many of the Europeans were heavily urbanized and lived a lifestyle similar to that of Britain, although foods and other goods weren't as easily accessible. Additionally, the landscape and weather demanded alterations in the culture from that of Britain, which began the slow development of Australian culture.

Since the arrival of these early European settlers, and later settlers, including many from Asia's Far East, the culture has continued to develop and change. However, the people remain fairly urbanized and most people live near the coasts. This has allowed the aboriginal culture to survive in the country's interior and today there is a growing understanding and integration of these cultures into Australian culture. However, Australian culture is still heavily rooted in British and European culture as most people speak English, are Christian, and use modern technology and communication as the country is a world leader in many ways.

Articles

 

Top Tourist Destinations in Australia
By Amber Rosh
November 2, 2014

Australia is full of unique destinations that will leave you with lifelong memories. Seemingly everything in Australia is a tourist attraction: beneath the waters, on the land, and in the skies above. Here are some of my top Australian destinations:
Fraser Island: Located off the eastern coast of Australia:... Continue Reading

Information for Australia was last updated: March, 2014 ● View our: Sources & Special Thanks