A look ahead to 2022 reveals an Australian culture that’s both the same and drastically different from today. The Australian national identity remains the same, but Australia has developed its own unique take on Western culture that’s distinct from our US, UK and European counterparts. While some of these changes might seem surprising now, they’ll be completely normal in just 10 years’ time—and many already are today! Here are facts from 2022 that perfectly sum up Australian culture.
1) People love our coffee
Australia is renowned for its laid back culture, great beaches and delicious food. But did you know that Australians also have a deep love of coffee? From the old-fashioned Italian espresso to the flat white, Australian cafés serve up some of the best coffee in the world. Here are facts from 2022 that perfectly sum up our national obsession with coffee:
A staggering 97% of all Australians enjoy a cup of coffee at least once a week. The nation has seen an explosion of specialty coffee shops, with a new one opening every other day. Despite its popularity, the traditional Italian espresso remains the most popular choice of coffee amongst Aussies. On average, Australians consume over 5 cups of coffee per day – that’s almost double the amount consumed by other nations. Coffee culture has become an integral part of daily life, with cafes even popping up in places like parks and beaches. When it comes to snacking, Australians overwhelmingly choose a biscuit or slice of cake over any other snack when having a coffee. Australians are so passionate about their coffee that they’ve started using special pour over techniques to perfect their brews.
2) People are a nation of foodies
Australians are a nation of foodies and 2022 has only made this more evident. From the rise of veganism to the increasing popularity of food delivery services, Australians’ love of food is on full display. Here are 10 facts from 2022 that perfectly sum up our national food culture.
More than 75% of Australians prefer to cook their own meals, either in their own kitchen or at a restaurant. There has been a 50% increase in the amount of vegan restaurants since 2020. Delivery services have grown exponentially with over 90% of Australians using one form of delivery service or another. More than 65% of Australians have at least one healthy meal each day. The average household spends around $300 per week on groceries.
3) People are sports mad
It’s no secret that Australians are sports mad, and the statistics from 2022 perfectly encapsulate this passion. The top 10 most watched sports in Australia that year were rugby league, AFL, cricket, netball, soccer, surfing, horse racing, basketball, rugby union and tennis. On any given weekend, it’s likely you’ll find hundreds of thousands of Australians glued to their screens watching their favorite teams battle it out.
The 2022 Summer Olympics also took place in Sydney, Australia, and the country took home an impressive haul of 107 medals. This included 49 golds, 30 silvers and 28 bronzes. This marked the highest number of medals ever achieved by an Australian team, surpassing the previous record set in 2016.
This only serves to demonstrate just how passionate Australians are when it comes to sport. From the young and old alike, everyone joins together to cheer on their favorites and proudly wear their colors. Sports are a fundamental part of the country’s culture, and 2022 was the perfect example of that.
4) People have a great sense of humor
Australians are renowned for their unique sense of humor, and this is one of the cultural traits that has remained unchanged over the years. Even though we may have more technology and different ways of doing things now compared to years past, our sense of humor still remains strong.
We like to laugh at ourselves, be lighthearted and enjoy the occasional sarcastic comment. And if you take a look at the facts from 2022, you’ll find that our humor is alive and well!
Here are fun facts from 2022 that perfectly sum up Australian culture:
Aussies spend an average of 1 hour per day watching comedy on TV or streaming services. Australia holds the world record for most barbecues held per capita. Over 2/3 of Aussie households own a pet kangaroo or wallaby. 4 out of 10 Aussies have a regular lawn-mowing routine. Over 3 million people participate in the weekly tradition of ‘Thong Thursday’.
5) People are passionate about our environment
Australia is a country filled with passion, innovation and a commitment to the environment. The country has taken steps to ensure its future sustainability, and these efforts have been rewarded with positive results. In 2022, Australia’s commitment to the environment can be seen in many ways, and here are 10 facts that perfectly sum up the country’s culture when it comes to the environment.
In 2022, Australia is projected to be completely powered by renewable energy sources, making it the first G20 nation to do so. Over 97% of electricity generated in 2022 will come from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydropower and biofuels. Australia’s urban forests cover around 18% of all land in 2022, significantly reducing urban heat island effects. By 2022, over 80% of Australia’s total waste production will be recycled or reused. In 2022, more than 80% of residential homes in Australia use some form of green technology, such as solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems.
6) People are known for our friendliness
When you think of Australia, one of the first things that come to mind is our culture of friendliness. From the laid-back beach lifestyle in coastal towns to the bustling city centres filled with lively people, Australians are known for their warm and welcoming attitude towards others.
As we look forward to the year 2022, here are ten surprising facts that perfectly sum up this unique aspect of Australian culture:
Australians are well-known for their hospitality – one survey found that 91% of Australians say they have an open-door policy for their friends and neighbors. Nearly half (49%) of all Australians have invited a stranger into their home to have a cup of tea or a chat. When asked to describe the average Australian, 59% of respondents used terms such as friendly, laid-back and welcoming. A huge 83% of Australians say they like to meet new people, and even more (88%) said they feel comfortable making conversation with strangers. Even in cities, there’s a strong sense of community: 76% of Australians believe that people in their local area look out for each other. Australians love to stay connected – 66% say that socialising with friends is an important part of life.
7) People are a nation of volunteers
Australia is renowned for its vibrant culture, and the 2022 census is proof of this. It paints a picture of a nation filled with generous, hard-working people who are deeply committed to making the world a better place. Here are facts from the 2022 census that perfectly sum up Australian culture:
Over 10 million Australians are involved in some form of volunteering activity. This includes providing assistance to charities, community groups, and other not-for-profit organizations. In 2021, over 6 million Australians took part in some form of volunteering activity each month. This is an increase of 12% since the 2016 census. Over 6 million Australians donated money to charity in 2021, with the average amount donated being $266 per person. Volunteering activities cover a range of issues, including environmental conservation, education and employment, health and social care, and human rights. The most popular form of volunteering activity is helping out at local community events, such as festivals, fundraisers and sporting events. Around 1 million Australians travel overseas each year to volunteer in developing countries. This is a huge contribution to international development and global change.
