Australia has always been known for its cultural diversity. The 2016 Census showed that over 29% of Australians were born overseas, with 18% of them arriving in Australia in the last five years.
The Census also revealed that people from over 180 countries call Australia home and that the most common countries of birth outside Australia are England, New Zealand, and China. However, there has been a significant increase in the number of people coming from India, the Philippines, and Malaysia over the last five years. This surge in immigrants from Asia is due to Australia’s close proximity to these countries and the country’s economic stability.
Another interesting fact is that over 300 languages are spoken in Australian homes, with Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, and Vietnamese being among the top five non-English languages spoken in the country. Hence, it is necessary to see the importance of communication skills and multilingualism in today’s society.
The Census also revealed that 49% of Australians have at least one parent born overseas, and 34% of Australians have both parents born overseas. This data clearly shows that diversity is ingrained in Australia’s culture.
In addition to its cultural diversity, Australia also has a rich indigenous history and culture. The Census showed that the Indigenous Australian population was around 649,200, which accounted for 2.8 percent of the Australian population. Moreover, this population grew by 18.6 percent since the 2011 Census, which demonstrates that the government is making an effort to give proper recognition to the indigenous people and their culture.
It is also important to note that Australia has been actively celebrating cultural diversity as part of its national identity. In 1973, the government officially recognized Multiculturalism as a policy that aims to ensure that all Australians are accepted and respected, regardless of their cultural and linguistic background.
In conclusion, the 2016 Census highlighted the cultural diversity ingrained in Australia’s culture, which has become synonymous with its national identity. The diversity is only increasing with the influx of immigrants from Asia, and the government is taking active steps in celebrating the country’s cultural diversity. It is crucial to understand the importance of unity in diversity, and to celebrate and respect the unique qualities that each community brings.
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