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Australia History & Population
History
Historians estimate that Australia was first settled more than 50,000 years ago on the coastal areas. When the Europeans arrived they brought diseases which killed many indigenous natives and animals which destroyed the natural habitats for native animals. On top of these, fighting completely wiped out the indigenous people in Tasmania. When the 20th century arrived new laws attempted to segregate the Aborigines and after World War II the government tried to force them to become "white". In the 1960's the Aborigines were granted the status as citizens and gained some rights to their lands in the 1970's.
The Europeans began exploration of Australia in the 17th century. Captain James Cook took control of the east coast in the name of the British Empire and the whole island was declared British territory in 1829 when the colony of Western Australia was created. 6 more colonies were created in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1901 it became a federation known as the "Commonwealth of Australia". Agriculture and factories helped the British effort in both World Wars. Australia has transformed itself into an advanced market economy.
Population
80% of the entire population lives close to the coast. The majority live in and around the major cities of Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. Inland towns are very small and agriculture or mining based. Less than 3% of the population has aboriginal blood.
More than 25% of the population was born in foreign land. Many originated in the United Kingdom and there are large groups from New Zealand, Italy and other European countries.
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