Indigenous people are those who can trace their origins to an area, or have been there for so long they are considered to be Indigenous. In Australia, the Indigenous population includes Aboriginal people living on the mainland, Tasmania and other islands, and Torres Strait Islander people.

Their heritage stretches back at least 50 000 years, or more than 1600 generations. Before the arrival of European settlers in 1788, Indigenous Australians were hunters and gatherers of animals and plants, which were used for food, tools, clothing and shelter. Over time, groups developed differences in culture, including language. The map above shows the approximate area in which different languages were spoken.

14

4 Australia

Population: ndigenous

N

5000Scale 1 : 22 250 000

1000 km

Nguri

Bidjara

Djabwurung

Yuwi

Yuru

Yupangathi

Yulparitja

Yuin

Yuggera

Yuat

Yorta Yorta

Yolngu

Yitha Yitha

Yirandali

Yir Yoront

Yinwum

Yinhawangka

Yinggarda

Yindjibarndi

Yiman

Yilba

Yiiji

Yidinjdji

Yawuru

Yawarawarka

Yarluyandi

Yanuwa

Yankuntjatjara

Yangman

Yangga

Yanga

Yandruwandha

Yanda Yambina

Yalarrnga

Yagalingu

YadhaiganaWuthathi

Wunumara

Wuningangk

Wunambul

Wuli-wuli

Wudjari

Worora

Worla

Worimi

Woolna

Wonnarua

Wongaibon

Woiworung

Wirangu

Wiradjuri

Winda Winda

Wiljali

Wik

Wiilman

WergaiaWemba Wemba

Wawula

Waveroo

Watjarri

Wathaurong

Warwa

Warumungu

Warriyangga

Warray

Warnindilyakwa

Warluwarra

Warlpiri

Warlmanpa Wargamaygan

Wardandi

Wardaman

Wangkumara

Wangkathaa

Wangkangurru

Wangkamana

Wangan

Wandjiwalgu

Wambaya

Walmatjarri

Walangama

WakayaWakabunga

Waka Waka

WajukPERTH

PORT HEDLAND

ALICE SPRINGS

ADELAIDE

BROKEN HILL

MELBOURNE

CANBERRA

SYDNEY

BRISBANE

HOBART

CAIRNS

MOUNT ISA

DARWIN

Wailwan

Wagiman

Wadyiginy

Wadjigu

Wadigali

Wadi Wadi

Waanyi

Uutaalnganu

Unggumi

Unggarangi

Umpila

Umida

Umbindhamu

Tyerrernotepanner

Toogee

Tommeginne

Tjupany

TjungundjiTjerratj

Tjalkanti

Tiwi

ThiinTharrgari

Tharawal

Thalanyji

Thaayorre

Teppathiggi

Taungurong

Takalak

Rembarnga

Pyemmairrener

Purduna

Punuba

Pitta-Pitta

Pitjantjatjara

Pirlatapa

Pintupi

Pinjarup

Pinikura

Peramangk

Peerapper

Payungu

Paredarerme

Palyku

Nyul Nyul

Nyikina

Nyawaygi

Nyangumarda

Nyanganyatjara

Nyamal

Nyaki-Nyaki

Nunggubuyu

Nungali

Nukunu

Nuenonne

Nimanburu

Nhuwala

Nhanta

Ngurraiillam

Ngunawal

NgumbarlNguburinji

Ngombur

Ngawun

Ngatjumay

Ngatatjara

Ngarti

Ngarrindjeri

Ngarluma

Ngarla

Ngarinyin

Ngarinman

Ngarigo

Ngargad

Ngarabal

Nganyaywana

Ngandji

NgandiNgan´giwumirri

Ngan´gikurunggurr

Ngamini

Ngalkbun

Ngaliwuru

Ngalea

Ngalawangka

Ngalakan

Ngadjuri

Ngaanyatjarra

Nawu

Nari NariNarangga

Nana

Nakara

Nakako

Mutumui

Muruwari

Murrinh-patha

Muralag

Mudburra

Mpalitjanh

Miyan

Miwa

Mithaka

Mirning

Miriwoong

Mingin

Minang

Meru

Meriam MirMbukarla

Mbeiwum

Mbara

Mbabaram

Mayi-Yapi

Mayi-Thakurti

Mayi-KutunaMayi-Kulan

Maya

Maung

Martuthunira

MarrithiyelMarringarr

Marramaninjsji

Margany

Mardu

Maranunggu

MaraMangarayi

Mangala

MandjindjaMandandanji

Malyangaba

Malpa

Malkana

Malak Malak

Maiawali

Madi Madi

Luthigh

Luritja

Limilngan

Latje Latje

Larrakia

Lardil

Lamalama

Lairmairrener

Kwini

Kuyani

Kuwema

Kuwarra

Kuungkari

Kuuku-yani

Kuuku-ya´u

KuthantKurtjar

Kurrama

Kurnai

Kuring-gaiKureinji

Kunjen

Kunja

Kungarakany

Kundjey´mi

Kullilla

Kuku-yalanji

Kukatja

Kukatj

Kooma

Konbudj

Kokowarra

Kokomini

Koko-bera

Koknar

Kokatha

Kija

Kaytej

Kaurna

Karuwali

Kariyarra

Karenggapa

Karangura

Karangpurru

Karajarri

Kaniyang

Kamilaroi

Kalkadoon

Kalaw Kawaw Ya

Kalaamaya

Kala Lagaw Ya

Kadjerong

Kaantju

Jurruru

Jukun

Jiwarli

Jingili

Jawoyn

Jaru

Jardwadjali

Jaminjung

Jaitmatang

Jaburrara

Jabirrjabirr

Iwaidja

Iningai Guwinmal

Guwa

Guugu-Yimidhirr

Gurindji

Gureng Gureng

Gunwinggu

Gunu

Gunindiri

Gunibidji

Gungurugoni

Gunggari

Gungabula

Gundungurra

Gunditjmara

Gunbalang

Gumbainggir

Gulidjan

Gugu-Badhun

Gubbi Gubbi

Goreng

Gooniyandi

Giya

Giraiwurung

Geawegal

Gayiri

Gayardilt

Garingbal

Garawa

Gangulu

Ganggalida

Gananggalinda

Gamberre

Gagudju

Gadubanud

Gabalbara

Eora

Doolboong

Djirbalngan

Djawi

Djargurdwurung

Djadjawurung

Djabuganjdji

DieriDhirari

Dharug

Dharawala

Darumbal

DarkinungDanggali

Dangbon

Dainggatti

Dadi Dadi

Burarra

Bundjalung

Bularnu

Bukurnidja

Budjari

Buandig

Boonwurrung

Birria

Biripi

Biri

Bindjali

Bindal

Binbinga

Bilinara

Bigambul

Bidwell

Bibbulman

Bayali

Barunggam

Barundji Barranbinya

Barna

BarkindjiBarindji

Bardi

Baradha

Baraba Baraba

Banjima

Banggarla

Bandjigali

Balardung

Bakanh

Badtjala

Badimaya

Awngthim

Awabakal

Arrernte

Arabana

Antakarinja

Anmatyerre

Anguthimri

Anggamudi

Andegerebenha

Amarak

Amangu

Alyawarre

Alawa

Agwamin

Andyamathanha

KEY

CAIRNS

Minang

Modern settlement

Language group name

Data not available

Language groups

Educational opportunities and standards for some Indigenous people are improving.

Sample

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N

0 500 1000 kmScale 1 : 35 400 000

GeraldtonKalgoorlie

Carnarvon

Albany

Broome

KatherineWadeye

Halls Creek

Nhulunbuy

Weipa

Cairns

Townsville

Wauchope

Alice Springs

CedunaPort Augusta

Mildura

Albury

Bourke

Mount Isa

Thursday Island

Mackay

Rockhampton

Port Hedland

SYDNEY

BRISBANE

CANBERRA

Newcastle

HOBART

ADELAIDE

PERTH

DARWIN

MELBOURNE

KEY5000 and over 1000–5000 250–1000 50–250

An increasing number of Australians now recognise their Aboriginal heritage, and are considered Indigenous when Australia’s population is counted. Today, Indigenous people have lower living standards and fewer opportunities, when compared to most other Australians.

15

Population distribution

Life expectancy:

Indigenous Non-indigenous

Males

Completed year 11and 12 schooling

Access to acomputer at home

Unemployment

Adults with trade ortertiary qualifications

Females

56 years

77 years

63 years

82 years

26%

49%

18%

45%

40%

5.5%

22%

48%

Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, 2001–2006

New SouthWales

AustralianCapital Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

NorthernTerritory

WesternAustralia

Victoria

Indigenous population by State and Territory, 2006I di l ti

Population

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1788 1901 2006

Popu

latio

n (th

ousa

nds)

(est

imat

ed)

Year

Changes in size of Indigenouspopulation, 1788–2006

Changes in size of Indig

Population changes

Indigenous

Living conditions

Indigenous Australians today

Sample

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18

Largest Western Australia (C3) is the

largest State in Australia. It covers 2 525 500 square kilometres.

Smallest The Australian Capital Territory

(E2) has a land area of only 2400 square kilometres.

People Australia’s population in June

2007 was 21 008 631 (21 million). The population is growing by approximately 180 000 a year. About half of these people come from overseas to live here.

New South Wales (E2), with its population of 6 893 900 people in 2007, had the largest State or Territory population.

The Northern Territory (D4) had the lowest population with 217 500 people.

Cities Most Australians live in the

capital cities of the States and Territories.

Australia’s largest city is Sydney (F2). In 2007, it had a population of 4 327 044.

FactsFacts

Did you know?Did you know?● Australia is the Earth’s only

continent occupied by one nation, and it is the least populated.

● Australia’s Aboriginal heritage stretches back more than 50 000 years.

Farmland in northern Tasmania (E1)

An aerial view of the Gold Coast (F3)

Along the Darwin (D4) to Adelaide (D2) rail line

4 Australia

Human features

Sample

page

s

19

1

1

1

1

1

1

11

1

1

1

1

1

1

N

WalcottPort

Timor Sea

Arafura Sea

I n d i a n

O c e a n

Gulf

of

Carpentaria

Murray

LakeEyre

Dar

ling

River

River

TasmanSeaStraitBass

Botany Bay

O c e a n

CoralSea

P a c i f i c

NORT

HERN

HIG

HW

AY

CO

ASTAL

NORTH -WEST

T r o p i c o f C a p r i c o r n

Timor

Roti

Flores

Sumba

Sumbawa

Tanimbar

Bathurst

Melville

Islands

Lombok

Island

Island

STUART

HIG

HW

AYGREAT

NORTHERN

HIG

HW

AY

HIGHWAY

BARKLY

GrooteEylandt

Torres StraitIslands

GRE

AT

HIGHWAY

EYRE

Kangaroo Island

HIGHW

AY

PRIN

CES

HIG

HW

AY

HIGHWAY

KingIsland

HIGHW

AY

CALD

ER

STUARTWinton

Longreach

FLINDERS

AruIslands

FlindersIsland

HUME

PACI

FIC

HIGHWAY

HIG

HWAY

PRIN

CES

HIGHW

AY NEW

ELL

HIGHW

AY

HIG

HWAY

HIG

HW

AY

MITC

HELL

HIG

HW

AY

FraserIsland

BRUCE

BURNETT

HIG

HW

AY

Abbot Point

Hamilton IslandHay Point

HIGHWAY

BRU

CE

Ashmore Reef

200 300 400 500 km1000

Scale 1 : 20 500 000

DILI

PORTMORESBY

CANBERRAAlbany

Bunbury

Margaret River

Eucla

FremantleKwinana

Geraldton

Kalgoorlie-Boulder

KarrathaDampier

Port Hedland

Newman

Broome

Tennant Creek

Alice Springs

Mount Isa

Weipa

Bundaberg

RockhamptonGladstone

Townsville

Mackay

Maitland

TamworthDubbo

Moree

Armidale Coffs Harbour

Toowoomba

Port Macquarie

Grafton

LismoreCoolangatta

Warwick

Caloundra

Gympie

Hervey BayMaryborough

Port AugustaBroken Hill

White Cliffs

MilduraWaikerie

Wagga Wagga

Queanbeyan

Goulburn

Griffith

BathurstOrange

Lithgow

Cessnock

Bourke

Mount Gambier

Portland Warrnambool

Ballarat

BendigoHorsham

Wynyard

Queenstown

DevonportLaunceston

Morwell

SaleBairnsdaleMoe

WodongaWangaratta

Albury

Port Pirie

Port Lincoln

Whyalla

Murray Bridge

Coober Pedy

PERTH

Darwin

Cairns

Gold Coast

BRISBANE

NewcastleGosford

Wollongong

Geelong

HOBART

MELBOURNE

SYDNEYADELAIDE

INDONESIA

EAST TIMOR

Jervis Bay (ACT)

PAPUANEW GUINEA

Western Australia

South Australia

Northern Territory

Queensland

New SouthWales

Victoria

Tasmania

Australian CapitalTerritory

F

E F

1

2

3

4

5

A B C E

B C D

1

2

3

4

5

D 110 E 120 E 130 E 140 E

140 E o

130 E o

120 E o

10 S o

20 S o

30 S o

110 E o

40 S o

o o oo

o 23 30' S

150 E

40 S o

30 S o

20 S o

10 S o

150 E o

o

o 23 30' S

River

Lake

International boundary

POPULATION

Water as international boundary

Country capital

State or Territory name

Country name

1 000 000 and over

100 000 to 1 000 000

50 000 to 100 000

Less than 50 000

SYDNEYGeelongBundaberg

Whyalla

CANBERRAVictoriaINDONESIA

Road

Railway

State or Territory boundary

State or Territory capital (by population)

National highway1

KEY

Sample

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Highest Australia’s highest mountain

is Mt. Kosciuszko (E2) in New South Wales. It is 2228 metres above sea level.

Lowest Parts of Lake Eyre (D3), in South

Australia, are more than 10 metres below sea level.

Hottest Australia’s hottest place is Cloncurry

(E3) in Queensland. It has recorded a temperature of 53.1ºC

Coldest At Charlotte Pass (E2) in New South

Wales, a temperature of –23ºC has been recorded. Lower temperatures have been recorded at Australia’s scientific bases in Antarctica.

Wettest Babinda (E4) in Queensland has

an average annual rainfall of 4537 millimetres, the highest in Australia. Nearby, Bellenden Ker (E4) had Australia’s highest rainfall in 2000 when 12 461 millimetres fell.

Driest An average annual rainfall of less

than 100 millimetres falls around Lake Eyre (D3) in South Australia.

FactsFacts

● Australia is the Earth’s largest island and its smallest continent.

● The largest desert in Australia is the Great Victoria Desert (C3) in Western Australia and South Australia. It is larger than Victoria and Tasmania put together.

Wineglass Bay, east coast, Tasmania (E1)

Mt. Conner (D3), Northern Territory

The Mouth of the Murray River (D2), South Australia

20

4 Australia

Natural features

Did you know?Did you know?

Sample

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21

Timor Sea

JosephBonaparte

GulfRoperRiver

River

River

A r a f u r a S e a

Victoria

Daly

East

Gulfof

Carpentaria

River

McArth

ur Riv

er

Nicholson

Georgina

River

River

LakeTorrens

LakeEyre

Coope

rCreek

LakeFrome

-15

LakeGairdner

Great Australian Bight

-5018

SwanRiver

LakeLefroy

Mur

chiso

n

LakeBarlee

Geographe Bay

I n d i a n O c e a n

Gascoyne

River

River

Fortescue

Ashburton

River

River

De Grey

River

Rive

r

Fitzroy-47Sh

elf

North W

est

I n d i a n

O c e a n

LakeDisappointment

LakeMackay

(Salt)

LakeAmadeus

SharkBay

Lachlan

War

rego

Paro

o

Norm

an

Mitchell

Condamine

Brisbane

Derwent

Bel

yand

o

Barwon

Balonne

Gwydir

Hunter

Goulburn

Darling

SeaCoral

Torres Strait

Tasman

Sea

Great

Barrier

Reef

P a c i f i c

O c e a n

River

River

RiverRiver

River

River

River

River

River

River

River

Riv

er

River

RiverR

iver

Riv

er

-3250

Murray

GilbertRiver

River

RiverMacintyre

Macquarie

Murrumbidgee

River

Bass Strait

River

Riv

er

Dawson

RiverFitzroy

River

Flinders

Burdekin

Drysdale

Riv

er

-68

Alligator

Western Australia

SouthAustralia

Northern Territory

Queensland

New SouthWales

Victoria

Tasmania

Australian CapitalTerritory

EAST TIMOR

I N D O N E S I APAPUA NEW GUINEA

Darwin

Cloncurry

Babinda

ADELAIDE

BRISBANE

SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

HOBART

PERTH

DILI

CANBERRA

PORT MORESBY

Scale 1 : 19 000 0003002001000 400 km

T H E

K I M B E R L E Y S

Hood Point

CapeYork

Cape

Cape Howe

Lord HoweIsland

CapeYork

Peninsula

Mt. Kosciuszko2228

Round Mountain1608

Mt. Bogong1986

1593

Mt. Ossa1617

Tropic of Capricorn

King Island

Byron

Bougainville

FlindersIsland

South East Cape

Charlotte Pass

G R E A T

D I V I D I N G

R A N G E

S t u r t

S t o n y

D e s e r t

S N O W

Y

M O

U N

T A

I N

S

G R E A TD

I V I

D I N

G

R A

N G

E

New Britain

Bellenden Ker

R i v e r i n a

Torres StraitIslands

N

NaturalisteCape

LeeuwinCape

CapeLeveque

Ashmore Reef

Cape Spencer

KangarooIsland

Roti

TimorSumba

Flores

AruIslands

IslandsTanimbar

1440

Mt. Meharry

1251

Bali LombokSumbawa

CapeNorth West1524

Mt. Woodroffe

MU S GR A V E R ANGE S

MelvilleIsland Cape Wessel

Mt. Liebig

983Mt. Wells

Uluru868 Mt Conner

859

F L

I N D

E R

STroudaninna

R A

N G

E S

N u l l a r b o r P l a i n

G r e a t D e s e r tV i c t o r i a

G i b s o n D e s e r t

M A C D O N N E L L R A N G E S

KataTjuta

S i m p s o n

D e s e r t

H A M E R S L E YR A N G EC A R N A R V O N R A N G E

G r e a t S a n d y D e s e r t

S t u r t P l a i n

T a n a m i D e s e r t

A r n h e m L a n d

B A R K L Y T A B L E L A N D

40 S o

30 S o

20 S o

110 E

10 S o

120 E o

130 E o

140 E o

130 E o

120 E o

110 E o

o 23 30' S

o

140 E o

150 E o

10 S o

20 S o

30 S o

160 E o

40 S o

160 E o

150 E o

o 23 30' S

A B C D

DB C

5

4

3

2

1

E F

1

2

3

4

5

FE

River

Lake

International boundary

POPULATION

Water as international boundary

Country capital 1 000 000 and over

100 000 to 1 000 000

25 000 to 100 000

Less than 25 000

SYDNEYHobartDarwin

Babinda

CANBERRAVictoria

State or Territory boundary

State or Territory name

State or Territory capital (by population)

Intermittent lake

Mountain andheight in metres2228

Mt. Kosciuszko

Country nameINDONESIA

KEY

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