Australia Snapshot

Learn More about Our Host Country

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area and the only nation to occupy an entire continent. It has a population of approximately 26.7 million spread across diverse and unique landscapes – from coastal regions and rainforests to mountain ranges, deserts, bushlands, and remote Outback communities.  Australia is one of the most urbanised nations, with 90% of the population living in just 0.22 per cent of the country’s land area.

Key Facts

Nation’s Capital: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

State/Territory Capital Cities: Sydney (New South Wales), Melbourne (Victoria), Brisbane (Queensland), Perth (Western Australia), Adelaide (South Australia), Hobart (Tasmania), Canberra (Australian Capital Territory), Darwin (Northern Territory)

National Language: English

Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Indigenous Heritage: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Australia’s Diverse Cultural Landscape:
The heritage of the First Nation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who make up approximately 3% of the total Australian population continues to shape Australia’s cultural identity. Their deep connection to land, unique languages, artistic traditions, and ancient knowledge systems rank among humanity’s oldest. In recent decades, there has been a renewed appreciation for First nation cultures in contemporary Australian society.

Australia’s current cultural diversity has been shaped by waves of immigration that has enriched the country’s cultural fabric, making it one of the most multicultural societies in the world today.

European settlement began in 1788. As a settler state, its history has influenced the nation’s development and cultural landscape.  Today, nearly 30% of Australia’s population was born overseas, and almost half have at least one parent born abroad. Of those born out of Australia, the major countries of birth are England, India, China and New Zealand. More than 1 in 5 Australians also speak a language other than English at home.

This diversity across Australia is celebrated with a Multiculturalism Policy that supports the idea that diversity enriches society and that people should be free to maintain their cultural traditions and practices.