Australia

Australian Flag   The Australian flag has stars. Each star on the flag represents a star in space.   The upper left design is the Union Jack.

Australian Flag

States and Territories  The six states and territories.  New South Wales  Victoria  Queensland  Northern Territory  Southern Australia  Western Australia

Animals   The koala bear is one of the most endangered species in Australia.   There are also Kangaroos, Outrages many more animals.   Australia also has the animal that can lay eggs, the Platypus.

Sydney Harbor and Bridge   The bridge goes across the Sydney Harbor that links the Sydney Central Business District (CBS) and the North Shore.   The bridge is nicknamed “The Coathanger” because of it arched design.   Sydney Bridge was designed and built in 1932 by Dorman Long and Co Ltd.   It is the fifth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world.   The Sydney Opera House has the best view of the beauty of the bridge.   On New Years Eve in the harbor they hold yacht races and on the water and have a show of fireworks.

Sydney Opera House  The opera house was built by Jorn Utzon. A Danish architect.  When he died the building wasn’t even finished. They tried to decide if they want to demolish it or work on it.  The building still stands next to the Sydney Bridge.  Sydney Opera House has the best view of the bridge.

Sports  The sports that Australian play are:  Cricket  Tennis  Horse Racing  Football  Soccer

Australian Soccer Team  All the soccer teams are trying to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Religion  76% are Christians  26% are Anglican  26% are Roman Catholic  Attend Church on special occasions.  Other denominations are 24% (other religions)  Immigration are: Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism.  They have increased.^

Eating  3 meals day  Busy families eat together on evening meals (week)  Eat continental style  Impolite with elbows on table.  No one leaves the table until everyone is finished eating.  Restaurants:  Tipping has become more common.  If the service is good then a tip is appreciated.

Dating and Marriage  Usually dating begins at 15 but in small groups.  Activities include dancing and movies.  Average marriage is at 27.  Church wedding is common.  Most choose to live together before or instead marrying.  Arrangement is known as a “de facto” marriage.

Family  2 to 3 children  Larger families are common.  Older children are expected to contribute to family expenses.  Increasing number of single parents homes, step families, and mother and father both work outside of their home.  Women make up about 40% of the work force.  Genders are equal:  Fairly equal wages  Education  Important leaderships positions in the public and private sectors.

Speech and Language  English is the national language  It is taught in all schools.  250 languages – 50 survived teachable form.  Spot on: fight on  Pang: Fender Bender  Not feeling well: crook  Bloke: guy  Friends (males): mates  Aussies: Australians  Uni: university  Kindy: Kindergarten  Telly: television  Footy: football/soccer

Shopping  Many large department stores.  Shopping arcades, walking streets, and plazas are becoming more popular.  Fruit, meat, vegetable, and fish markets are similar to the ones in Europe.  Most stores close at 5 or 5:30pm on week days.  Australians try to keep up on the newest trends on clothing.

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