Australia is a country of about twenty-million people or about
five percent of the population of the United States, yet the
land area is roughly the same size as the U.S. Most people are
concentrated along the coastlines because the interior is
uninhabitable desert. Australia was established in the
eighteenth century by immigrants from England. The immigrants
brought the religions of Catholicism and Church of England,
which persist today. Traditional religions are quickly giving
way to modern secularism, itself considered a religion.
Australia's government is a socialist model. Health care and
education are provided free by the government, but the tax
burden to support those services is high. Australians enjoy a
leisurely lifestyle. They place focus on social and outdoor
activities. They are very friendly and personable, although
individualism is beginning to find its roots as it has in
America. Drinking alcohol is almost a national pastime. Because
alcohol is so deeply imbedded in the culture, drinking among