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The People
Although Australia is one of the largest countries in the world it's population per square kilometre is comparatively low at only 2 people per km squared (on average). 92% of the population is Caucasian, 7% are Indian and the indigenous aborigines make up only 1% of the total population of Australia. A major part of Australia's work and culture is centered around sheep and cattle ranches in the 'outback' and gold mining in the heart of the desert. The other 86% of the population live in the towns. This is where the soaps that give Australia it's reputation are made, including most famously Neighbours. The language spoken predominantly is English, but some native languages are also spoken. Adult literacy is 100% possibly because 6% of GNP is spent on education. The estimated sex ratio is 0.99 men to every woman. More accurately that is 1.06 males to every female at birth, 1.05 males to every female under 15 years, 1.02 men to every woman from 15 to 64 years and 0.77 males to every female from 65 years and up. The current average population growth rate is 0.9%.
(All stats are from 1999)