Live In Australia

Australia, the sixth-largest country in the world, remains a land of great mystery and promise. Before the year 1788, the land was predominantly populated by Aboriginal peoples who spoke literally hundreds of different languages. Upon the arrival of the European colonists, however, life in Australia changed drastically. The continent was riven by epic battles between English loyalists and Aboriginals which bloodied the land.

In the wake of this early, bloody history, many believed that Australia would remain mired in lawlessness. However, Australians are plucky folk, and the country reemerged in the 20th century as a prosperous and democratic nation. Indeed, Australia's commitment to the so-called five freedoms--freedom of assembly, religion, speech, association, and movement--has inspired nations around the world to follow suit in terms of human rights and democracy. Following the Second World War, Australia emerged on the world stage as a leader, both politically and morally.

Life in Australia--Past and Present

Life in Australia's cities is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word. Yet the Australian outback remains a wild and savage land, populated by desert cowboys and closed off aboriginal settlements. The disconnect between Australia's city slickers and its outback inhabitants is remarkable.

There have been innumerable political and cultural clashes between urbanites and country dwellers as of late. Environmental issues, mining and labor concerns, and immigration all play into the political drama. That said, the increasing prominence of China's power in the Pacific Hemisphere--particularly China's newfound influence over Indonesia and Micronesia--has helped forge a new Australian nationalist consensus.