Australians

Australians are people who live in Australia or hold Australian citizenship. The term includes Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) and the many communities formed by generations of immigrants. Australia is a federation of six states and two mainland territories, with a population of about 26 million; most people live in coastal cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.

The de facto national language is English; Australian English has its own varieties and slang. Many other languages are spoken across the country due to immigration, including Mandarin, Hindi, Vietnamese, Arabic, Italian, and Greek. Indigenous Australians also retain numerous languages, with ongoing efforts to revive and teach them in communities and schools.

Indigenous Australians have inhabited the continent for tens of thousands of years, with diverse cultures and social structures. British colonization began in 1788, leading to dispossession and population decline among Indigenous peoples. The colonies federated in 1901 to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Since the mid-20th century, immigration from around the world has shaped a multicultural society.

Australian society is characterized by egalitarian values, outdoor lifestyles, and a strong sports culture. Popular sports include cricket, Australian rules football, rugby league, and soccer. National symbols include the Australian flag and emblems connected to the environment. Australia maintains a diverse media landscape, a robust higher education system, and a comprehensive social welfare framework.