• 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!

Culture & Identity of Australia

Introduction

The ways of life between the aboriginals in the "outback" and the ethnic Europeans in Sydney differ about as much as any two ways of life on this planet. However, the aboriginal lifestyle and the outback have influenced the culture in Sydney and elsewhere in Australia, especially when it comes to understanding the land, the animals, and the planet as conservation is important for many Australians. More than that, Australians tend to embrace differences as all people seem to remain humble and grounded.

Nearly everyone in Australia lives in or near a major city. Due to the deserted interior and harsh conditions it is no wonder most of the people live in the fertile and livable parts of the countries, which have turned into fairly large metropolises. Also due to this setting most people make a living in the services industries as well as in office jobs. Few people in Australia are farmers and many people that do work the land as winemakers or herders.

Most Australians start the day at about 8:30 am with work or school, then have a day typical to that found in Europe or North America as schools tend to run until about 3:00 pm and most people work until about 5:00 pm, with both taking a lunch break at about noon. Many Australians work a full five days, but in some families one parent will stay home with the kids. Long weekends and holiday (vacation) are also popular times to get out of the city. Thankfully, all this work generally pays off for the Australians as the GDP per capita is quite high on international scales and is the highest in the region by a substantial margin.

Most nights are spent at home with family, but after school activities and other social clubs may occupy nights for many Australians. Weekends are often filled with socializing, often spontaneous and unorganized socialization. Everyone seems to have a different preference, but pubs, dance clubs, bars, and restaurants are all popular for a night out. Getting outdoors to enjoy a trip on the water, at the beach, playing a sport, or meeting at a park or someone's house for a "barbie" (barbeque) are also great ways to enjoy life in Australia.

Identity

The people of Australia generally identify as being "Australian," but many of the minority groups and recent immigrants identify in numerous other ways, most commonly with their ethnic identity. Likewise, most of the Aboriginals identify in a way that reflects their ethnic roots.

The identity of being "Australian" is primarily a politically-defined identity as any citizen of Australia can be considered Australian. Most people who were born in Australia or grew up in the country identify in this way above all else.

Beyond the political definition, to be "Australian" comes with a few identifying traits, primarily based on the country's history. Bush life, which is often translated to mean living off the land and understanding the landscape and wildlife are important. The Australians also tend to support the underdog as they are a country founded, essentially, by convicts. The British also left behind a number of key features in the identity, including much of the diet like tea as well as the English language. Finally, the Australians are liberal-thinking as they are quite tolerant of differences, making diversity and this ability to accept differences an important part of the Australian mentality.

For the many immigrants to Australia, each identifies differently. Most first generation immigrants identify as a citizen of Australia, but they primarily identify with their ethnicity, whether that be Chinese, Vietnamese, or English. For their children (or for those who immigrated as a child), many first identify as being Australian and only secondly with their ethnic background.

This page was last updated: November, 2013