III.

General factors
Geography
Australia is the world's smallest continent, largest island and the only continent
made up of a single country. People sometimes call Australia the "Land Down
Under" because it lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, down under the
equator. The Tropic of Capricorn runs through the northern part of the country.
Australia is located between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. Its nearest
neighbors are the countries of Indonesia, Timor Leste (East Timor) and Papua New
Guinea
Australia was one of the earliest lands formed on earth and some of its rocks have
been dated to over 3.5 billion years old. It is very stable with no volcanic activity
and little geological activity, which means earthquakes are rare. Nature has had
plenty of time to wear down mountains and fill up valleys in Australia, making it
the lowest and flattest of the continents.
Climate
Australia's climate varies greatly due to its vast size. Generally, it is warmer and
drier than the United States. Most of the continent receives only five to 20 inches
of rain per year. About one third of it is desert receiving less than 10 inches of rain
a year, another third is arid (less than 20 inches of rain a year) and the most
reliable rainfall occurs on the east coast along the Great Dividing Range and in the
southwest corner of Western Australia. Parts of the northeast (Queensland), which
include the tropical rainforests, have seasonal rains of up to 60 inches per year as
does the west coast of Tasmania in the south. The northern third of the country is
tropical (lying above the tropic of Capricorn) and the northern-most parts have a
monsoon season.
Environment & Conservation
Rare & Endangered Species Australians have come to treasure their unique
animals and plants. In recent years, they have taken steps to guard against
endangering them. The federal and state governments have developed programs
for habitat protection and restoration. They participate in captive breeding and
release of endangered animals. The governments also aim to control predators
and feral animals, such as foxes, cats, pigs, rabbits, dogs and dingoes. Since 1989
there has been a national Endangered Species Program to fund and coordinate
these efforts
Religion
Australia has a long and strong tradition of religious tolerance. About 69 per cent
of the population identifies itself as Christian. Of these, 27 per cent are Roman
Catholic, and another 21 per cent are Anglican (similar to Episcopalian). Many
other faiths are observed, including Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. About 18
percent of the population is non-religious. In June 2008 Australia hosted World
Youth Day with hundreds of thousands of young Catholic pilgrims traveling to
Australia to participate
Currency
Decimal currency was introduced in Australia in 1966, replacing pounds, shillings
and pence. The major unit is called the Australian dollar, made up of 100 cents.
The value of the Australian dollar compared to the US dollar fluctuates. This is
called the exchange rate, and it changes from day to day
Australian coins are minted with these values: 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and, $l and $2.
Originally there were 1 and 2 cent coins, but these are no longer made. Australians
do not have special names for their coins, as Americans do. For example, the 5
cent coin is not a nickel, but simply a 5-cent piece. All coins have a likeness of the
Queen on the front. The reverse side of each coin depicts animals unique to
Australia, except for the $2 piece, which shows an Aboriginal elder. Bills are
printed in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar values
III. Social factors and their influences on lifestyle and
Religion
Australia has a long and strong tradition of religious tolerance. About 69 per cent
of the population identifies itself as Christian. Of these, 27 per cent are Roman
Catholic, and another 21 per cent are Anglican (similar to Episcopalian). Many
other faiths are observed, including Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. About 18
percent of the population is non-religious. In June 2008 Australia hosted World
Youth Day with hundreds of thousands of young Catholic pilgrims traveling to
Australia to participate
The Arts
Australia has a thriving arts community. Each state capital has major art museums,
symphony orchestras, opera, theater companies, and libraries. In addition, the
country has national ballet and opera companies. The Australian Government
helps to support both creative and performing arts, including the film industry
Australians also have a strong literary tradition and an independent media sector.
Storytelling has always been a part of the Australian tradition, from the dreamtime
stories of the Aboriginals, the bush stories of the early settlers, through to the
poetry and literature of today
Food & Drink
Australian breakfasts used to include baked beans and spaghetti or minced meat
(ground beef) on toast. Steak and eggs were also popular. Nowadays breakfast
starts with fruit or juice. People also tend to eat one or more of the following: cold
cereal or hot porridge (oatmeal); fried eggs; bacon or large link sausages; and
toast spread with butter, jam, honey or Vegemite (see Vegemite, next page). Like
Americans, adults often drink hot tea or coffee. Australians have many of the same
brands of breakfast cereal as Americans, but some have slightly different names.
For example, Rice Krispies are called Rice Bubbles in Australia, but taste the same.
Lunch time in Australia is very similar to the United States. Most people eat a
sandwich with a piece of fruit. A hot meal might be a meat pie or sausage roll with
hot chips (French fries). Those items are also typically sold at sporting events. The
evening meal is as varied as the ethnic groups that form Australian society. Many
Australians still eat the traditional British supper of meat and three cooked
vegetables, but the emphasis is on less gravy and fresher vegetables. Salad is
widely enjoyed and a staple on most dinner tables. Most families now include rice
or pasta dishes in their regular meals. Lamb is much more readily available in
Australia but beef, pork and chicken are staples too. Seafood is very popular.
Wine and alcoholic beverages are popular in Australia. Australia is a large wine
producer and exports wine and beer to many countries around the world. The
minimum drinking age in Australia is 18
Clothing
Australians dress very similarly to Americans. Depending on the climate, children
wear jeans and a sweater, a sweatsuit and t-shirt, or swimwear and shorts (see
picuture below). Business people, of course, wear suits or other tailored clothing.
Australians follow many American fashion fads like wearing a baseball cap
backwards and wearing jackets with American sports team logos

National Holidays
New Year ’s Day : Australians celebrate the New Year's Day holiday on January 1
the same way Americans do. People stay up late on December 31 with family and
friends. They welcome the new year with a countdown, food and drinks. Many
sing "Auld Lang Syne" when the clock strikes midnight.
Australia Day : Australia's national day, Australia Day, is celebrated on January 26.
This marks the date in 1788 that Europeans first settled in Australia. Captain
Arthur Phillip, of the British Royal Navy, sailed into Port Jackson (Sydney Cove) with
11 ships full of convicts and guards. Phillip established the first penal colony on a
site that is now in downtown Sydney, Australia's largest city.
Anzac Day Australians celebrate Anzac Day on April 25. On that day in 1915, troops
from the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli,
Turkey to fight a critical battle in World War I. It was the first time Australians had
fought under their own flag rather than Great Britain's. Thousands of soldiers were
killed in eight months of terrible fighting. Finally they were forced to leave. Word
soon spread of their courage under impossible conditions. Much of Australia's
sense of national pride stems from this period in history.
Music
Music has always been an important part of Australian life, whether it be pop,
classical or Aboriginal music. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian
Youth Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra are internationally
recognised. Opera also has a substantial following, and Australia has produced
some remarkable jazz.
Like many Americans, Australians also love country music. An annual country
festival is held in Tamworth, NSW, and Australia has produced several world
recognised country artists, like Keith Urban, who have become popular in the
United States.
Education
There are two levels of formal schooling. Students go to primary (elementary)
school from prep to sixth or seventh grade, and secondary (high) school from
seventh or eighth grade until 12th grade. In some states, the last two years of high
school are separate, to give students better preparation for university entrance. Just
over 25 per cent of Australian school children continue on to University and
slightly more continue into vocational training and education. It is compulsory to
attend school until at least the age of 15 or 16 (10th grade). Australia ranks very
highly in the world for its literacy rate, which is around 99%.
Like in the US, students have one classroom teacher most of the time in primary
school. In high school, they move from class to class and have different teachers for
each subject
Australian gift culture
Not only in Vietnam, in Australia the culture of gift giving is also highly respected.
However, when comparing the two countries, there will be differences. For
Australia, each gift will have a different meaning, expressing good luck wishes as
well as expressing the other person's sincerity.
In Vietnam, we often give each other small gifts on holidays, but in Australia there
are two big holidays that people take extremely seriously: Christmas and New Year.
A commonly used gift for two important occasions in Australia is wine. There is no
doubt that for a European country, wine is the most valuable gift. On these two
special occasions, you can choose wine for your family and friends. A glass of wine
can also show your affection for them.
Australian values
Australian values based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity
are central to our community remaining a secure, prosperous and peaceful place
to live. Our values define and shape our country and they are a reason why so
many people want to become Australian citizens. Our democratic institutions and
shared Australian values have created our peaceful and stable society.
Australian values include:
 respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual
 freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a particular
religion), freedom of speech, and freedom of association
 commitment to the rule of law, which means that all people are subject to
the law and should obey it
 parliamentary democracy whereby our laws are determined by parliaments
elected by the people, those laws being paramount and overriding any
other inconsistent religious or secular “laws"
 equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their gender, sexual
orientation, age, disability, race, or national or ethnic origin
A 'fair go' for all that embraces:
 mutual respect
 tolerance
 compassion for those in need
  equality of opportunity for all
 recognising the English language as the national language, and as an
important unifying element of Australian society.
Business culture in Australia
Australians are straight shooters
Very generally speaking, Australians can be more direct than New Zealanders in
their style of communication
Australians are quite direct and clear-cut in their business communication. They
are rarely intimidated by others’ status of importance and speak plainly when
conveying their ideas. Likewise, they wish to be presented with the plain facts and
will dismiss points that are made using emotional hype – such as exaggerated
claims. When presenting an idea, avoid focusing on the unnecessary details and
instead stress the facts, figures and goals. Australians are also likely to be open if
they disagree with you. This is not to say they will be rude (they will usually be
diplomatic in their approach) but expect them to arrive straight to their point
without euphemism
In everyday communication as well as in Australian business culture, shaking
hands is a polite act of greeting. To increase respect, in addition to calling the
name/surname, Australians also add the title and Mr/Mrs/Miss/Sir in front. When
talking, investors should keep a reasonable distance. If you stand too close,
Australians will feel uncomfortable, especially when meeting for the first time.
Dressing carefully is also an important factor. Australians prioritize polite, gentle
and respectful clothing such as white shirts and ties, dark suits... Investors should
show a humble attitude when introducing themselves and their business. Send a
business card at the beginning of the conversation. Using eye contact in
communication helps increase trust and positivity when exchanging
When working together, Australian businessmen always maintain a
straightforward and strict attitude. They have very high requirements for product
quality and work progress. If they are not satisfied, they will directly state their
opinion. Investors should prepare well for situations and keep a calm attitude
when problems arise.
Core values, norms, and attitudes relating to foreign and domestic products
and services in Australia
Interests and tastes of consumers in Australia:
• In general, consumers in Australia are quite conservative and very
knowledgeable about the issue of "price commensurate with value".
• In recent years, in some market segments, the low-cost market share is
decreasing and consumers are willing to pay high prices for quality products. >
That doesn't mean Australian consumers are always willing to pay high prices. In
fact, most of them always compare prices from many different retailers before
deciding to make a purchase. * Australian consumers' views on imported goods: -
Priority is always given to domestic goods
- The majority of Australian consumers have a fairly open attitude towards
imported goods. The final decision is factors such as quality, style and price
without giving too much importance to the origin
• It should be noted that Australian consumers are very concerned about quality
issues. Many retailers in Australia follow a refund or exchange policy if the goods
have quality problems or even if the buyer simply changes their mind about the
purchase.
• Australian consumers set very high quality standards for goods and are protected
by a range of consumer protection regulations in all states. Importers and retailers
also have this view and will not accept that products that do not meet their quality
and safety inspection standards reach consumers.
Business culture in Australia - myNZTE
Australian values (homeaffairs.gov.au)
untitled (embassy.gov.au)
Economy of Australia - Wikipedia
Sustainability attitudes and behaviours of Australian shoppers – Monash Lens
Những nét đặc trưng văn hóa úc và những điều thú vị nên biết
(citizenpathway.org)
Diapositiva 1 (aecvcci.vn)