Australian History

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There is strong evidence that Aborigines, the indigenous people of Australia, have inhabited the country for 50,000 years.

The continent was discovered by Europeans in the 17th century, and was named Terra Australis by English explorer Matthew Flinders.

The eastern part of the continent was claimed for Britain in 1770 by Captain James Cook, and the First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, established the first European settlement in 1788.

Australia was initially a convict colony of the British Empire, but became a federation in 1901.

Fast-forwarding to present day, and Australia is highly multicultural with a large immigrant population.