1. Culture of Australia & Oceania

2. What comes to your mind when we talk about Aussie culture?

3. Basic Facts on Australia Capital: Canberra Population: 22,000,000 Is a commonwealth of Britain ▫it is a government still connected to Britain whose participants are all equal ▫Officially recognizes Queen Elizabeth as its monarch & Head of State—as a CEREMONIAL leader Queen Elizabeth is a CEREMONIAL leader; Australia operates under a parliamentary democracy and has a Prime Minister ▫Also a governor-general who reports directly to the queen on behalf of Australia

4. The History Aborigines have lived in the region for over 40,000 years European contact began when Australia was founded by Captain James Cook in 1770; he claimed land for Britain Gold rush in the late-1800s  massive (European) immigration into the region Increased population and increased exploration allowed for “Crown Colonies” to be established in the 1800s 1901: six colonies became a federation ▫Commonwealth of Australia was established!

5. The Flag of Australia Chosen in 1901; legally made the official flag in 1954 Only flag to fly over an entire continent Union Jack flag (British) Six Stars = Six Provinces

6. Australia Today: Aborigine Culture Rock Art Ceremony

7. Australian Culture: Non-Aborigine Culture is heavily influenced by British colonization: ▫Most practice some form of Christianity ▫Official language: Australian English ▫Pastimes also influenced by the British Still, they have things of their own!

8. Vegemite to Australians is what PB & J sandwiches are to Americans Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world—partially because of a hole in the ozone layer, and partially because of the numerous outdoor activities Aussies participate in. Rugby, brought by the British, is a very popular (and violent) sport in Australia Uggs are made in Australia

9. Famous Aussies

10. Celebrated Holidays Australia Day: January 26 ▫Celebrates the first arrival of convicts on Botany Bay, near Sydney ▫(really, the first British settlement, 1788) ANZAC Day: April 26 ▫ANZAC= Australian & New Zealand Army Corps ▫Honors the Australian & New Zealand soldiers who died in WWI & WWII Easter Sunday (depends) Queen’s Birthday (2 nd Monday in June) Christmas: December 25 ▫Usually celebrated on the beach (what season is it in Australia?)

11. Oceania/Pacific Islands Islands of Melanesia thought to be the first inhabited during the Ice Age ▫Migrated from SE Asia ▫Crossed the water in canoes & small boats—lower sea levels then!

12. Melanesia Original inhabitants: migration around 30,000 years ago Melanesians make up ¾ of indigenous pop. of the islands Includes: ▫Papua New Guinea ▫Fiji ▫Vanatu ▫New Caledonia

13. Micronesia Have mongoloid physical characteristics: ▫Mongoloid: describes people of E. Asia ▫Lighter skin, dark, straight or wavy hair People here generally live in coastal villages Native culture was the last to develop in this region Most islands are independent, but were colonized by USA, Germany & British Empire at one point Includes: ▫Marshall Islands ▫Kiribati ▫Guam ▫Palau ▫Nauru

14. Polynesia All islands are very similar in terms of culture, language & physical appearance Physical Characteristics of natives: ▫Mongoloid features ▫Generally taller & lighter-skinned than Micronesians & Melanesians Polynesians responsible for the stone statues on Easter Island Includes: ▫Tonga ▫Pitcairn ▫Hawaii ▫New Zealand