Australia

People and Culture
Australia has about 19 million people. However, the people are not evenly spread out. The people of Australia mostly live on the coast, and not inland. Most of the country is too dry to support people. About 80% of the people live in the southest. Most Australians speak English. The English they speak is closer to the English spoken in England. However, the English of Australia has many of it's own words and terms.
Most Australians have relatives or ancestors from England, Ireland or somewhere in Europe. They have some of the same traditions and way of life as European people. Aborigines were the first people in Australia. Their history is like the Native Americans. The white people took their land and their rights. Today, many Aborigines live in tribal towns in rural or country areas. They are usually a lot poorer, have less education, and have a more difficult life than white Australians.
Most Australians live in large cities or towns. few people live in the rural or country areas. The cities and towns of Australia are very similar to the cities and towns of North America or Europe. Only about 10% of Australians live in the rural areas. This countryside is called the "bush" or the "outback." Most of the people who live in the outback are farmers. Sheep and cattle are the most popular type of farms. The outback has few roads. The people who live there are very isolated from others.
Australians eat all kinds of food. Meat, fruit, vegetables, and grains are all easy to get. Food is similar to what people in North America or Europe would eat. Australians are also known for some of their free time activities. Water sports, like surfing and swimming are very popular. Australians also enjoy sports like rugby, Australian football and cricket.
Australia schools make students go to school until the age of 15 or 16. After that, the student can choose to continue to go to school, or leave school and go to work. Many Australians leave school at about the age of 16. In the outback, where people are very far away from each other, children go to school by mail - they receive their assignments and turn them in by mail! Australians have a very modern way of life. Their jobs and life style are similar to North Americans and Europeans. Even though most of the country is empty desert, most Australians do not live there. They live in towns and cities and have a way of life like people who live in towns and cities!