Australia: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:23, 6 October 2003

Revision as of 09:17, 7 October 2003

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Most of the Australian population descends from 19th and 20th century immigrants, most from the [[United Kingdom]] to begin with, but from other sources in later years. Many inhabitants are of [[Greece|Greek]], [[Italy|Italian]] or [[Asia]]n descent. Descendants of the original population, the [[Australian Aborigine]]s, make up less than 12.2% of the population, according to the 2001 Census. In common with many other developed countries, Australia is currently experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population, with more retired people and fewer of working age.

[[English language|English]] is the spoken language in Australia, although some of the surviving Aboriginal communities maintain their native languages, and a considerable number of first and sometimes second-generation migrants are bi-lingual. Although the nation is broadly secular and few are church-goers, three-quarters of Australians are nominally Christian, mostly [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] or [[Anglican Church|Anglican]]. A diverse range of other religions is practised.