religion, Culture and Traditions
Australia does not have an official religion, although according to the 2011 Census, 61.14% of the population considers themselves Christian and 22.3% report that they have no religious affiliation (Cultural Diversity in Australia). The Constitution of Australia of 1901 says that the Commonwealth government is not allowed to interfere with the freedom of religion and the Constitution forbids the government from establishing a church. The Aboriginal people believe in a spiritual religion called “the Dreaming” which is an animist religion.
Australian customs are very similar to Americans. Their daily self-conduct and introductions are very much the same. Australian like to make direct eye contact when speaking and prefer to have at least 1 meter of distance while conversing. Like many of the States, smoking is banned in government buildings, public transportation, restaurants, and other public areas. Littering in Australia is strictly unacceptable. Fines will be administered if littering occurs. Table manners are also very similar to Americans, hands and fingers are used while eating only while picnicking or barbecuing in a casual setting.
Australia’s Census of Population and Housing report of 2011 revealed that over 26% of Australians are born overseas, and 20% had at least one overseas-born parent. Historically, Europeans made up the majority of immigrants, a dramatic shift in Census data shows that Asian immigrants are now the dominant immigrants. Notable countries of origin include: India, UK, China, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam and Sri Lanka (Cultural Diversity in Australia).
Australian customs are very similar to Americans. Their daily self-conduct and introductions are very much the same. Australian like to make direct eye contact when speaking and prefer to have at least 1 meter of distance while conversing. Like many of the States, smoking is banned in government buildings, public transportation, restaurants, and other public areas. Littering in Australia is strictly unacceptable. Fines will be administered if littering occurs. Table manners are also very similar to Americans, hands and fingers are used while eating only while picnicking or barbecuing in a casual setting.
Australia’s Census of Population and Housing report of 2011 revealed that over 26% of Australians are born overseas, and 20% had at least one overseas-born parent. Historically, Europeans made up the majority of immigrants, a dramatic shift in Census data shows that Asian immigrants are now the dominant immigrants. Notable countries of origin include: India, UK, China, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam and Sri Lanka (Cultural Diversity in Australia).
Australian Food
Breakfast
According to the Start a New Life in Australia website, for “brekkie” they eat cereal and milk, like many Americans, Australians stop for a coffee or latte on their way to work. Brekkie often includes roasted wattleseed. It is versatile flavor which adds a nutty chocolate taste to coffee, cakes, sauces or even steak.
Lunch
Like Americans, Australians eat sandwiches, wraps and leftovers. They enjoy pasta dishes that are light or robust. There are a lot of cultural influences from Asian cultures- Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian. Also, Turkish-style kebabs are very popular.
Dinner
Dinner in Australia is the main meal of the day, they enjoy pasta, stir-fry, steak, fish, and salads-typically foods that are quick and easy to prepare. Balmain bugs are small lobsters. They are highly sought-after in Sydney as a new delicacy. Roasts are often enjoyed on Sundays when the cook has more time to create a meal with the entire family present. Cooking is such an important part of Australian culture that cooking shows are wildly abundant on television.
Standard Diet
Like Americans, they also face the rise of obesity. Fast food is now a large part of an Australian’s diet. The more Westernized lifestyle now includes sugars, fats, and soft drinks
Aboriginals used to eat native animals, fruit and vegetables--fish for the Aboriginals on the coast. They would eat plant food raw and grilled meats and fish on the coals wrapped in leaves.
Popular Foods
According to the Popular Foods in Australia site, Vegemite is available across Australia and is exported to other countries as well. It is actually a brown colored paste, which is used as a spread on sandwiches as well as crackers. At times, vegemite is also used as a filling for pastries. It is known to be a rich source of Vitamin B and is made from yeast extract. It is so ubiquitous that it is known as the Australian National Food.
Popular Drinks
Fruit-Flavored drinks and flavored water are the most popular, although many people would claim beer as the most popular. The soft drink of choice would be Root beer or Coke (Popular Foods in Australia).
According to the Start a New Life in Australia website, for “brekkie” they eat cereal and milk, like many Americans, Australians stop for a coffee or latte on their way to work. Brekkie often includes roasted wattleseed. It is versatile flavor which adds a nutty chocolate taste to coffee, cakes, sauces or even steak.
Lunch
Like Americans, Australians eat sandwiches, wraps and leftovers. They enjoy pasta dishes that are light or robust. There are a lot of cultural influences from Asian cultures- Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian. Also, Turkish-style kebabs are very popular.
Dinner
Dinner in Australia is the main meal of the day, they enjoy pasta, stir-fry, steak, fish, and salads-typically foods that are quick and easy to prepare. Balmain bugs are small lobsters. They are highly sought-after in Sydney as a new delicacy. Roasts are often enjoyed on Sundays when the cook has more time to create a meal with the entire family present. Cooking is such an important part of Australian culture that cooking shows are wildly abundant on television.
Standard Diet
Like Americans, they also face the rise of obesity. Fast food is now a large part of an Australian’s diet. The more Westernized lifestyle now includes sugars, fats, and soft drinks
Aboriginals used to eat native animals, fruit and vegetables--fish for the Aboriginals on the coast. They would eat plant food raw and grilled meats and fish on the coals wrapped in leaves.
Popular Foods
According to the Popular Foods in Australia site, Vegemite is available across Australia and is exported to other countries as well. It is actually a brown colored paste, which is used as a spread on sandwiches as well as crackers. At times, vegemite is also used as a filling for pastries. It is known to be a rich source of Vitamin B and is made from yeast extract. It is so ubiquitous that it is known as the Australian National Food.
Popular Drinks
Fruit-Flavored drinks and flavored water are the most popular, although many people would claim beer as the most popular. The soft drink of choice would be Root beer or Coke (Popular Foods in Australia).