Cultural Characteristics of Australia and Oceania Answers

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: New Zealand’s culture is influenced by European and Maori cultures, as well as by the geography that has helped to create a unique Kiwi culture. The nickname “Kiwi” has come to be associated with the country of New Zealand. The term comes from the flightless bird that is native to New Zealand. This name has been borrowed for the Chinese gooseberry, a fruit known to most of the world as the kiwifruit (and a major export and part of the economy), and as a nickname for inhabitants of New Zealand. Maori influence is seen regularly in the use of the haka, a Maori pre-battle dance that is now done by the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks. Most members of the team are Pakeha, not Maori. Pakeha is the Maori term for non-natives – in this case, people of European descent. New Zealanders are influenced by their geography and are considered to be outdoorsy people. They celebrate their heritage as rugged pioneers who take on challenges with a can-do attitude. A common joke is that a Kiwi can fix or get out of any situation with a piece of number 8 wire, a type of wire common for fencing. This is a symbol of Kiwi ingenuity and adaptability.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The majority of Australians, about 92%, are of European descent. Those of Asian descent make up about 7% of the population, while Aborigines and other groups make up only about 1%. Australia is heavily influenced by British culture. English is the official language, although other languages are spoken, including Asian and Pacific Island languages. The majority of Australians, about 65%, practice Christianity. Other religions that are practiced include Islam, Hinduism, and traditional Aboriginal religions. About 19% of Australians consider themselves non-religious.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Food is very important to the culture and peoples of the Pacific Islands. The typical pre-colonial diet included sugarcane, root crops such as sweet potatoes, taro, and yams, and tree crops such as bananas, coconuts, and breadfruit. Fish was consumed regularly, while meat was reserved for special occasions. Pigs and chickens were the only domesticated animals. The postcolonial diet, by contrast, consisted of far more processed foods, canned goods, and soft drinks. There was also a rise in the number of domesticated animals, as sheep, cattle, and rabbits were added to the diet.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Although neighbors, Australia and Papua New Guinea have very different standards of living. Australia has a very high standard of living. Life expectancy at birth is about 80 years, and there is a low infant mortality rate of 4.61 for every 1,000 live births. Both numbers indicate that the country has a good healthcare system. Education in Australia is compulsory, and about 99% of the population is literate. Everyone in Australia has the right to vote, and about 89% of the population lives in cities. Papua New Guinea, however, has a very low standard of living. Life expectancy at birth is about 66 years, and there is a high infant mortality rate of about 43 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. There is also a high risk for contracting infectious diseases. These factors indicate that the country does not have an adequate healthcare system. Furthermore, 37% of the population lives below the poverty line, and only about 53% of people are literate. Only about 13% of the population lives in urban areas.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Australians have romanticized the harsh, dry climate of the Australian bush, or countryside. This has created a culture that is distinct from European culture and important to Australian folk heritage. Much of Australian folk culture is based on the idea of overcoming challenges and working hard. The poet/songwriter Banjo Patterson wrote of and celebrated the bush. The famous song "Waltzing Matilda" was written about Australian grit and strong nature. The swagman, another symbol of Australian grit and overcoming tough times, was a transient worker who traveled on foot looking for temporary work during the Great Depression and who drank and ate billy tea and damper. The stockman, a horseman who works on a large station or ranch, was celebrated in Patterson's "The Man from Snowy River."