Culture and Language
Religion
In the 21st century, religion in Australia is predominantly Christian. In the 2011 Census, 61.14% of the
Australian population were recorded as adhering to Christianity.
Historically the percentage has been far higher and the religious landscape of Australia is diversifying, along with multicultural immigration and 22.3% of people with no religious affiliation.[2] 22.3% of Australians declared "no-religion" on the 2011 Census, and a further 8.55% did not answer the question.[2] The remaining population is a diverse group which includes Buddhist (2.46%), Islamic (2.21%), Hindu (1.28%), Jewish (0.45%) and Sikh (0.3%) communities. The Constitution of Australia of 1901 prohibits the
Commonwealth government from establishing a church or interfering with the freedom of religion.
While Australia has a strong tradition of secular government, religious organisations have played a significant role in public life. The Christian Churches in Australia, in particular, having played an integral role in the development of education, health and welfare services. While less than a quarter of Australian Christians attend church weekly, around a quarter of all Australian school students attend church affiliated schools and the Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas are public holidays. The Catholic Church is by far the largest non-government provider of health and education services in Australia and faith-based aid organisations like the St Vincent De Paul Society and Salvation Army receive widespread community support.
In the 21st century, religion in Australia is predominantly Christian. In the 2011 Census, 61.14% of the
Australian population were recorded as adhering to Christianity.
Historically the percentage has been far higher and the religious landscape of Australia is diversifying, along with multicultural immigration and 22.3% of people with no religious affiliation.[2] 22.3% of Australians declared "no-religion" on the 2011 Census, and a further 8.55% did not answer the question.[2] The remaining population is a diverse group which includes Buddhist (2.46%), Islamic (2.21%), Hindu (1.28%), Jewish (0.45%) and Sikh (0.3%) communities. The Constitution of Australia of 1901 prohibits the
Commonwealth government from establishing a church or interfering with the freedom of religion.
While Australia has a strong tradition of secular government, religious organisations have played a significant role in public life. The Christian Churches in Australia, in particular, having played an integral role in the development of education, health and welfare services. While less than a quarter of Australian Christians attend church weekly, around a quarter of all Australian school students attend church affiliated schools and the Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas are public holidays. The Catholic Church is by far the largest non-government provider of health and education services in Australia and faith-based aid organisations like the St Vincent De Paul Society and Salvation Army receive widespread community support.
Language
More than three quarters of the population of Australia have English as their first language. The type of English spoken in Australia has more in common with the type of English spoken in the UK rather than that used in the US. The Australian accent is fairly strong and there are influences of cockney rhyming slang throughout the language. English is the business language in Australia and it is rare that any other language would be used in the workplace. There are large numbers of Australian residents who do not have an English speaking background but in order to progress in the workplace, a good working knowledge of English is essential. It is estimated that almost 20% of people in Australia speak a language other than English on a daily basis. Those who move to the country may find that they hear languages such as Chinese, Italian, Greek and various other European languages on a regular basis. This is a direct result of the high immigration that has taken place since the end of the Second World War. Expats from other parts of the world are now increasing in number so languages such as Arabic and Japanese will begin to increase in usage.
More than three quarters of the population of Australia have English as their first language. The type of English spoken in Australia has more in common with the type of English spoken in the UK rather than that used in the US. The Australian accent is fairly strong and there are influences of cockney rhyming slang throughout the language. English is the business language in Australia and it is rare that any other language would be used in the workplace. There are large numbers of Australian residents who do not have an English speaking background but in order to progress in the workplace, a good working knowledge of English is essential. It is estimated that almost 20% of people in Australia speak a language other than English on a daily basis. Those who move to the country may find that they hear languages such as Chinese, Italian, Greek and various other European languages on a regular basis. This is a direct result of the high immigration that has taken place since the end of the Second World War. Expats from other parts of the world are now increasing in number so languages such as Arabic and Japanese will begin to increase in usage.
Festivals and Traditions
Festivals have become ubiquitous in Australia, with hundreds held each year.
Some are as small as the community-based Apollo Bay Music Festival and Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival, while others, such as the Falls Festival and Woodford Folk Festival, are able to bring international performers to Australian audiences and showcase Australian works.
If you want to see a list of major festivals, click here
Festivals have become ubiquitous in Australia, with hundreds held each year.
Some are as small as the community-based Apollo Bay Music Festival and Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival, while others, such as the Falls Festival and Woodford Folk Festival, are able to bring international performers to Australian audiences and showcase Australian works.
If you want to see a list of major festivals, click here