• 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!

Ethnicity, Language, & Religion of Australia

Ethnicity

About 90% of Australia's population is ethnically European, although the specific breakdown of ethnicities is unknown, especially since many people have multiple ancestral origins. As the British colonized the country, the most common ethnicity is English, although Welsh, Scottish, and Irish are also common. There was also a significant German immigration period and this is another common ethnicity, among many others. About 7% of the population is Asian, primarily from the Far Eastern and Southeastern countries, including China, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. Only about 1% of today's population is ethnically aboriginal. These Austronesian people are distantly related to the people of Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and others from Southeast Asia and Australasia.

Language

Nearly 80% of Australians are native English speakers and many of the other people speak English as a second language. As a fairly significant immigrant destination, there are many native speakers of hundreds of languages in Australia, most commonly Chinese, Italian, Greek, Arabic, and Vietnamese.

English today is the result of multiple influences, but primarily comes from the Germanic language tree brought to England by the Saxons and Anglos with a heavy influence from latter Norman French. The English spoken in Australia has a dialect that distinguishes it from British English, American English, and to a lesser extent New Zealand English.

Religion

Most people in Australia are Christian with nearly 30% of the population being Protestant, about 25% being Roman Catholic, and another 10% adhering to other Christian faiths. Despite the significant percentage of the population believing in various religions, many people are not regularly practicing. There are numerous other religions followed in Australia, but in much smaller numbers, including Islam, Buddhism, and others. A significant group, about 30% of the population, is either atheist or follows a non-denominational faith. This diversity is generally a reflection of the diversity in the country among the many immigrants both past and present.

Continue reading on Safari the Globe to Learn the Catholic Church's doctrines, liturgy, symbolism, traditions, & hierarchy

This page was last updated: May, 2014