Australia has a rich and diverse history as a country. From its humble beginnings to what is now regarded as one of the best countries in the world to live in, Australia has grown and thrived over the years to a population of over 21 million people, from over 200 countries of the world. So read for yourself what makes Australia such a unique and interesting place to live.

Australia has always been a country rich in history, traditions and culture. Before the arrival of the European settlers, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples inhabited most areas of the Australian continent. They practiced their own unique traditions and social habits and lived as a humble tribe, rich in pride, with an immensely strong connection to the land.

In 1770 Captain James Cook landed in Botany Bay and, after viewing the practices of the Aboriginal people, claimed that the land was Terra Nullius (land of no-one) and conquered the east coast of Australia for the British Crown.

Thereafter, Britain decided to use the country as a penal colony. The first fleet of 1500 people arrived in Sydney Harbour on the 26th of January, 1788. This day was from there on, and until this very day, celebrated as "Australia Day".

For many years, Australia was home to Britain's convicts and it wasn't until 1868 that convict transportation ended. This marked the arrival of many free settlers, as well as a boom in the wool and gold industries. However, while the non-Indigenous community was thriving, the Indigenous peoples suffered greatly - both physically and psychologically. The settlers brought with them many new diseases, feral and domesticated animals and an overall attitude that the Aboriginal people were inferior. This demolished their habitat, their sense of livelihood and put a strain on their sense of tradition and connections with the land. It would be many years before they were accepted and recognised as the original owners of the land.

A nation was born in 1901, when the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. The federation celebrated the forming of six states: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. Australia's first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, established Australia as a land of opportunity, and marked the beginning of a long line of our nation's leaders.

The First World War had a devastating effect on Australia and many lives were lost. These times are remembered every year on the 25th of April, a day that is known as ANZAC day. A march commemorates the lives that were lost and the public share a keen involvement with this tradition year on end.

During the years between the two World Wars, Australia suffered great instability. Social and economic divisions widened and many of the country's financial institutions failed.

After World War II ended, Australia entered a boom period. Hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants were welcomed to our shores, and this brought greater economy growth to our country. As a nation we began to truly thrive and become one of the best places in the world to live.

1967 marked a true turning point in the Australian Constitution and our nation's history. Legislation was passed to finally recognise the rights of the Indigenous population, symbolising a change in our attitude and outlook. It also demonstrated the strength of our country as a democracy and our recognition of our land's original habitants.

The rights of the Aboriginal people were further recognised in 2008, when the new Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, gave a formal apology to the Indigenous people for the harm they suffered in the past. This marked a further turning point in Australia's history and marked us as a diverse and socially aware country.

Today, Australia has a global non-discriminatory policy and is home to people from over 200 countries across the world. We remain a country that highly regards the value of mateship, egalitarianism and fairness. Our laid back way of life, ridiculous idioms and "She'll be right" attitude, are essentially what makes us the people that we are. The red soils of our outback and the pristine beaches of our coastlines makes our country what it is; truly the best place to live on earth!

Christine Barton