Australia is an expansive nation characterized by diverse geography. Most major cities can be found near its temperate Type C climate zone on its coastlines.
Before European settlement, Australia was home to various Aboriginal clans who thrived within its land. But the arrival of disease from sailors and convicts caused many deaths – many more than died today as we celebrate a truly diverse society in Australia!
Population
Australia’s population increased by roughly 270,000 during the year ending March 2024 due to continued net overseas migration (NOM) and declining departures. NOM had declined recently as travel restrictions related to COVID-19 restricted travel while departures fell due to many migrants seeking an extension in stay.
As in other developed nations, Australia’s population is rapidly ageing due to declining fertility and increased life expectancies. The age structure is expected to shift further towards older individuals over time – posing serious implications for health, housing, employment and economic activity.
The Centre for Population provides regular population projections at national, state and territory and capital city and balance of state (using Australian Bureau of Statistics Greater Capital City Statistical Area definitions) levels. These projections take into account recent demographic information – including impacts from COVID-19 pandemic. They are updated annually.
Economy
Australia is an economically prosperous nation with a Western-style capitalist economy and one of the highest standards of living worldwide. Education, healthcare and publishing make up its main sectors; coal and iron ore exports fuel this economy further.
Australia earned itself the nickname, “Riding on Sheep’s Back,” during its early days of economic expansion. Thanks to wool industry employment and foreign investment, Australia flourished significantly.
Australia is a federation, with power divided among federal (central), state and local (or council) governments. Local councils raise taxes through taxes to pay for roads, parks, garbage collection services as well as services like libraries and museums. Australia’s economy is highly open with minimal import restrictions; free-trade agreements with New Zealand, Singapore, United States Japan Korea China are in effect and an economic cooperation and trade agreement was made official on December 20, 2022 with India under this name – known as Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement).
Environment
Australia is one of the world’s most biodiverse nations. Forty distinct ecoregions exist within its borders ranging from Antarctic territories to rainforests. Due to its hot, dry climate and tropical cyclone exposure, Australia can be vulnerable to drought and wildfires.
Climate variations across Australia’s four seasons vary significantly, with coastal cities in the southeast boasting temperate conditions with warm to hot summers and mild winters; Northern Australia features tropical conditions; while central Australia experiences semi-arid to arid conditions.
The tropics experience heavy rainfall from monsoon season. Many rivers in western Australia are subject to flooding during this time. Australia’s climate is affected by its surrounding oceans, continental plates, atmospheric pressure systems and cold fronts as well as human activities such as land clearing and agriculture, with associated warming likely caused by human activities; its impact being felt across oceans, forests, wildlife populations and indigenous species populations alike.
Religion
Religion plays an integral role in Australian life for many individuals and their communities. Belonging to a faith may have symbolic or more practical ramifications – such as attending religious services on occasion – or could involve taking advantage of religious-based social services like hospitals and schools.
Religious identity used to be linked with ethnicity in Australia, leading many of its churches to be integral components of cultural traditions. But, over the past decades, more Australians are opting out of any particular faith altogether.
This phenomenon has been attributed to increased immigration from countries with less religious influence, coupled with shifts in attitudes toward religious groups. Atheist and agnostic Australians make up the largest portion of population; Melbourne serves as an atheist hub, hosting two global atheist conventions (2010 and 2012 respectively) while Adelaide became home to Australia’s first Humanistic Jewish congregation, known as Kehilat Kolenu – linked with Habonim Dror – in 2021.
