The Rough Guide: Australia

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Australia is a vast and sparsely populated land, comparable in size to the USA but home to just over eighteen million people. This ancient continent features some of the most eroded and arid landscapes, particularly in its central and western regions. In contrast, its cities, established mainly in the mid-nineteenth century, exude a youthful energy. The Outback, with its striking geological features and unique wildlife, showcases a vivid ecology that has supported the oldest surviving human culture for over fifty thousand years. The harsh interior has led to a coastal lifestyle, with most Australians living within 20km of the ocean, particularly in a suburban arc from southern Queensland to Adelaide. Urban Australians embrace New World values of material self-improvement, often enjoying a vibrant outdoor life characterized by beach culture and backyard barbecues. While this lifestyle may seem mundane to some visitors, opportunities exist, especially in the Northern Territory, to engage with Australia's indigenous cultures through ancient art sites and tours. Many Aboriginal people in central Australia maintain traditional lifestyles, yet those in urban areas often face challenges related to "welfare colonialism," leading to cycles of poverty and ill-health. Achieving genuine equality between black and white Australians remains a significant challenge.