Is Australia more similar to Europe or the US?

Question

I'm just curious what the culture is like.

Answer 1

Lots of great answers from the other guys but I would just like to add... the Australian culture originated out of europe with all of original British convicts, settlers and armed forces, many of the convicts were unfairly convicted and deported for trivial "crimes" amongst the convists were Irish rebels. Overtime the the culture took on the rebellious larakinism australia is known for today, a sense of mateship no matter who oir what you are. Two other notable characteeristics are Aussies will go all out to support the under dog and create a level playing field but this sometimes manifests in the "tall poppy syndrome" where we just cant help cutting down any one who through talent, money, or what ever climbs above the average ( I think its got alot to do with that level playing field). When it comes to humour Aussies seems to have the same sense of humour as the British and often dont find American humour funny at all. Australia has the second largest Irish community/linneage outside of Ireland and share al ot of that dogged determination, warped sense of humour and ability to have a laugh at yourself and not take things too seriously. Recent influx of greeks and italians decades ago modified the gentics a little but had a great impact on cuisine and laid the foundation for later immigrations from other european areas, asia and africa. I think with the asian immigration but really only since 711 there has been a lot of political correctness which is watering down the culture because the background and culture of those areas is totally unlike the Australia I grew up in and as much as I do have moslem friends they seem to want Australia to become like them rather than them adopting the aussie way of life. The one really good though is that all of that racial crap you see in America is non existent here yes there will be the odd nutter but generally we dont care who or what you are- its big country we'll share it. You can walk down the main street of even rural towns and be able to buy food from all over the world-YAY. Anyway thats my comment on cultural differences.

Answer 2

Because Australia is such a mixture of cultures it is very difficult to draw such a comparison. Some areas can be like walking into a little town in southern Europe.
Then you can all of a sudden hit a massive shopping centre with Starbucks, Norma Jean, Maccas, Hungry Jacks and Burger King, etc.
Drive around Tasmania and you could be in UK.

We drive on the left, but that is a historical reason for that. Europe drives on the right because of Napoleon's campaigns and invasions. He didnt invade England. USA because of independence from UK and wanting to make as much of a break as possible.

Yes we do mainly live along the eastern seaboard, but that is because our interior is so arid and dry. We are after all the driest continent.
Australians are laid back, very accepting (as a general rule) of others and other cultures. And generally take everyone as an individual.
American friends of mine have commented that Australians are more open and accepting that in the States.

Answer 3

The language in the USA is mostly the same as in oz.
In Europe one needs to learn another language, which for my family has been a challenge but at the same time culturally very rewarding.
We are in Biarritz, the surf capital of France and have found the people to be very welcoming and helpfull.
The attitude of people in the South is very much focused on quality of life, and appreciation of food is very much a part of that.
I must also say that the French love partys.

One can't be too specific about Europe because it is a very diversified region. But if you go North then customs and living styles become more insular because of the cold.

It is probably easier to find and afford nice permenant rental accommodation in the USA.

It is probably easier to get permission to live and work in Europe, but there is process involved.

In the USA one needs permission to enter and to stay.

Never the less, eventually in Europe one has to apply for residency.

Answer 4

Australia is very relaxed. It would be something like California without religion or London without the cold and class system. Australians take you as they find you; love beating England and New Zealand in sport; don't tip anyone unless it is deserved - you wait for change in a taxi and get it (you can live on the minimum wage in Australia); enjoy the outdoors, theatre, opera, bands, beaches etc etc etc.

Australia has produced Nobel Laureates, poets, astronauts, artists, scientists and makes great films. It is not perfect, no country is, but we are more perfect than most. :o)

Answer 5

Oh! Like comparing Gucci (Australia obviously..) with Target! Only joking haha, I think that we are all very different. I would hate to say that we are anything like Americans.
I do not think that we are like any Europeans either? Possibly like some Poms, in the way we all love to drink a lot and have fun :) Yanks don't seem like they have much fun at all!
Not with naughty Mr Bush always trying to get them all killed!

Answer 6

Its hard to say really. We tend to be quite different from Europe and the US, because we have formed our own identity now.

However i personally think that we are closer to the UK, (Britan/England) just because they were the ones who settled us, we have a similar accent to them, we drive on the same side of the road (left). Our spelling of different words are also quite similar. So it is my personal opinion that Australia is more like England.

Answer 7

australia is a melting pot of varying cultures it is more like the canadian culture than american but out of europe and america, america is the closest.

Answer 8

Very similar to US in almost every aspect. While in Melbourne, I could have sworn I was in San Francisco. Most of the population lives in coastal cities. The vast interior is rather arid and desolate.

Answer 9

they are nothing alike

aussies are friendly people most of the time

europeans can be rude

yanks are obnoxious most of the time

hope this helps dude

Answer 10

We are so diverse, I don't think we could be compared to any one country.