THE LAND

Australia is the smallest continent in the world, and is believed to be the oldest continent on earth. It is the sixth largest country in the world and is located in the Southern Hemisphere. The country is divided into six states : Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. In addition, it has three internal territories - Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory; and seven external territories - Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Heard Island, McDonald Islands and Australian Antartic Territory.

Australia has three time zones. The westernmost zone, which includes the city of Perth, is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T. + 8). The central zone, which encompasses Adelaide, Alice springs, and Darwin, is 9 1/2 hours ahead of G.M.T. (G.M.T. + 9 1/2). The easternmost zone ( the closet to the Americans) is ten hours ahead of G.M.T. (G.M.T. +10). Most of the big cities are in this zone, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra (the national capital). The Australians name these time zones Eastern, Central, and Western standard time, respectively.

All of Australia practices daylight saving time except Queensland and Western Australia, which remain on standard time throughout the year. Since the seasons are opposite, when the United States is on daylight saving time (April through October), Australia is usually on standard time.

When travelling to Australia from the Americas, remember that one crosses the International Date Line : When flying westward (United States to Australia), one "loses" a day; flying eastward (Australia to United States), one "gains" a day.

The Commonwealth of Australia is a democratic federal state system that recognizes the British monarch as the chief of state (represented nationally by a Governor general and in each state by a Governor). However, Australia is an Independent nation and does not consider itself a constitutional monarchy.

The legislative branch of the government is a federal parliament, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister heads the executive branch and is the head of the government. An independent high court heads the judicial branch. There are three major political parties: Labor, Liberal, and Australian Democrat. Australia is known for offering extensive social welfare programs to its citizens. It is active in the United Nations and is particularly involved in assisting its developing neighbors in Asia and the Pacific. At present eighty countries receive aid from Australia.

THE PEOPLE

Relaxed and Friendly is a term that applies very well to the Australian lifestyle. The are a fun loving and colourful people. The typical Australian is a warm smiling individual who still clings to the old fashioned values of hospitality, honesty and modesty.

Australians have a close identification with the American culture. This stemmed from the arrival of thousands of American troops in the country during World War II. In addition to American influences, seen in fashion, food and entertainment, the Australian lifestyle is also shaped by Europe and, more recently, Asia.

Today, one in three Australians was born overseas. Australia's traditional British heritage is now giving way to a richer, multicultural society - a melting pot of peoples from more than 100 ethnic backgrounds, speaking 90 different languages and practicing over 80 separate religions.

Initially, the way of life in Australia substantially reflected the heritage of the British settlers. Customs were modified as the settlers adapted to the new country and its exceptionally fine climate. A culture evolved that, although based on the British tradition, is unique to Australia.

SOCIAL PSYCHE

Australians are well known for their warmth and friendliness. The term "mate" meaning pal or buddy carries a lot of weight with it. It is said that an Aussie (as the Australians call themselves) will go out of his way to help a mate in trouble.

• Most Australians enjoy or aspire to middle-class suburban lifestyles in their homes.
• The nuclear family is the rule and is the strongest socializing force.
• Popular culture is dominated by an emphasis on leisure activities and outdoor recreation.
• Great pleasure is taken in traditional backyard barbecues, bush picnics, and a wide range of organised sports, including soccer, Australian Rules football, cricket, tennis, baseball, basketball, volleyball, netball, athletics, cycling, boating, swimming, horseback riding, and horse racing.

BUSINESS PSYCHE

• Australians are individually open-minded and trusting of equals until given reason not to be.
• They are quite analytical and conceptual in their thinking.
• Company policy is followed regardless of who is doing the negotiating.
• Facts are given the highest validity, since Australians tend to reason from an objective perspective.
• Little credence is given to feelings, as personal emotions are untrustworthy.
• Australians are highly ethnocentric, so a basic faith in their nation may underlie some of their arguments.
• Individualism is very important in decision making, but it is subject to company policy.
• Australians do not find it difficult to say 'no'.
• One's life is private and not to be discussed in business negotiations.
• There are established rules for everything.
• Egalitarianism stresses a high minimum standard of well being for the whole of society and an outward show of equality that minimizes privileges associated with formal rank.
• Emphasis is on one's ability.
• Punctuality is very important.
• Business cards are exchanged at the beginning of meetings with both hands.

CUSTOMS

Australians are friendly and easy to get to know. They do not have the British reserve of their ancestors. It is acceptable for visitors to introduce themselves in social situations.

Your best approach is to be friendly, relaxed, modest and unpretentious. Australians find it amusing how hard foreigners (especially North Americans) try to make a good impression. The usual advice is "just be yourself" when dealing with Australians.

As part of Australia's classless society, academic qualifications are downplayed in public. Australians will make sport of anyone who sounds like a resume, quoting his or her qualifications and experience.

There are certain social customs and norms unique to the Australians. When you meet people, or are introduced to people, there are some things you should keep in mind:

• Australians greet each other with "Hello" or an informal "G'day", but they tire of hearing tourists overusing the latter.
• It is the custom to shake hands at the beginning and the end of a meeting.
• It is appropriate to present a business card at an introduction, but don't be surprised if you do not get one in return since many Australians do not have them.
• Follow the lead of others in using titles. In Australia, a title - whether academic or job-related - does not command respect in itself. The individual must still win the respect of others.
• The normal form of greeting is a smile, often accompanied by a nod, a wave, and/or a verbal greeting.
• In business situations, you shake hands firmly, and you wait for a woman to offer you her hand before shaking it.
• In casual situations you could smile and say hello.

How you address a person when introduced is important, and while many Australians quickly address others by their first names, it is safest to wait for your Australian counterpart to suggest it. You must remember a few things:

• Full names are used for initial greetings and "Sir" is an address of respect.
• "Mate" will be heard far more often than "sir". It refers to anyone of one's own sex, but when used with the pronoun "my" (e.g. "my mates"), it refers to one's friends.
• The order of most names is first name, middle name and last name.
• Be respectful and use a title such as Dr., Ms., Miss, Mrs., or Mr. with the last name.
• If you are not sure of a woman's marital status use Ms. (pronounced `Miz').
• When meeting someone for the first time, use a title and their last name until you are told to do otherwise.
• Introduce yourself as you want to be called.

GIFTS

Gifts are not expected, but are polite as tokens and a good way of showing appreciation. These are a few do's and don'ts of gift-giving:

• Australians do not generally give gifts in a business context.
• If you are invited to a home for dinner, however, you may want to bring a small gift of flowers, wine, chocolates, or folk crafts from home.
• You may also bring a preserved food product from your home area, but it will be confiscated by Australian customs unless it is in a can or bottle.
• At Christmas time, gifts are usually exchanged both socially as well as at work. Business associates appreciate things for the office, liquor or wine.
• If you stay with someone in Australia, a thank you gift would be a good idea.
• Taking someone out for a meal or other entertainment is a common gift.
• Personal gifts such as perfume or clothing are inappropriate for women.