Pre-University Paper from the year 2009 in the subject English - Applied Geography, grade: 14 Punkte, language: English, abstract: Australia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It is well renowned for its beautiful cities, the splendid countryside and its thriving economy. In addition to that, it plays a significant role in world affairs and is highly regarded for its scientific, cultural and sporting achievements. Thousands of people travel there every year to enjoy the easy way of life and many even emigrate to start over in Australia, dreaming of opportunity, individual liberty and equality. The facade of abundance crumbles when taking a closer look at the dire living conditions of the Aboriginal Australians. In the midst of all this plenty indigenous Australians have to lead a life of privations. They suffer from extreme exploitation and struggle desperately to realise acceptance, a situation which is deeply shameful in a presumably civilised country where everybody should be granted equal chances to pursue happiness, regardless of ethnic affiliations. Aboriginal people have a special place in Australia´s identity. Their central role in the appealing idea of Australia is of paramount importance. The colourful and entrancing customs and traditions of Aboriginal Australians can easily be regarded as a part of the most popular heritage of the world, but at the same time they suffer from being one of the least respected. In most cases the people themselves are only perceived as alcohol addicts, derelicts and misfits1 - a blemish in the immaculate and `white´ appearance of the nation. [.] 1 see: Leitner, Gerhard: Die Aborigines Australiens. p. 7