• 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!

Relationships, Marriage, & Family Life in Australia

Dating in Australia is much as it is in Europe or North America. Most people are fairly relaxed and liberal when it comes to dating and many young people will date a number of people prior to getting married. The dynamic from relationship to relationship differs as some couples are quite conservative, while others live together for a number of years before marrying, if they ever marry. The age at which people marry also varies, but most Australians wait until their late 20s or early 30s before they wed.

Weddings in Australia are generally church ceremonies, but there is a growing trend to get married in any location, such as a private garden or on a beach. Other Australians who adhere to different religions may get married in a temple or another location that is significant to their personal beliefs. The wedding reception also varies from couple to couple, but most Australians have a large party filled with dinner, drinks, and dancing.

Whether a couple marries or not, many Australian couples have a child or two, which means the country has a very low birth rate compared to many other countries. The family dynamic in the country tends to be relaxed, but again there are great variations, especially when one compares an ethnic European couple with an ethnic Chinese couple. Despite the differences, most families have a strong commitment to their children and often times have close bonds to their family. Divorce is common, but becoming less so as couples choose to marry later in life.

This page was last updated: November, 2013