Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come to Canada to start a new life. They come with many different skills and with the hope of contributing to their new society. This cultural profile was written to help Canadians welcome Australian immigrants to Canada. It will give you some insight into Australian life and culture. This information will be useful if you are hosting an Australian family as part of the HOST program, learning about Australia in school or working with Australians who have recently settled in Canada.

Australians who come to Canada will have many of the same questions that you would have if you moved to another city or country. They will want to know about schools and education, health care, jobs and places to live. Your offer of time, friendship and concern will be greatly appreciated.

Although this cultural profile provides insight into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Australia.

Summary Fact Sheet

Official Name Commonwealth of Australia Capital Canberra Type of Government Parliamentary Democracy Population 18.7 million Area 7.6 million sq. km Major Ethnic Groups European descent, Asian, Aborigines Languages English, Aboriginal languages, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese Religions Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism Unit of Currency Australian dollar National Flag Dark blue with a Union Jack in the upper hoist-side corner; opposite are the five stars of the Southern Cross constellation, and underneath the Union Jack is a large, seven-pointed star Date of Independence January 1, 2022

Did you know?

Australia is a federation of six states (New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia) and two territories (the Northern Territory and the Capital Territory, where Canberra is located).

Did you know?

The name of Canberra, Australia's capital, comes from the Aboriginal word for "meeting place." It is located between Sydney and Melbourne. An American architect, Walter Burley Griffin, won an international competition to design the city.