SYDNEY

Commemorations and celebrations around the country marked Australia Day 2014, with nearly 18,000 people becoming Australian citizens in more than 400 different ceremonies.

In addition, the Australia Day honors list recognizes people who have had an impact on the lives of others.

Australia Day is celebrated every year on January 26, and is the country's biggest public holiday. The date marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by their commander, Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788.

“On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian," the Australia Day Council said. "It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.” 

Australia is a developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, with the world's 12th-largest economy. With the second-highest human development index globally, behind only Norway, the country ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights, according to the UN.

“We are a multicultural country, with so many Australians having history and heritage from countries across the world," National Australia Day Council CEO Warren Pearson said. "In our diversity, there are still shared values that bind us together as Australians, no matter where we are from.” 

Estimates were that 87 percent of Australians planned to celebrate Australia Day in some way, and more than 5 million would attend public events around the country. 

"We celebrate the nation and the people we have become,'' Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said at his address to the Australia Day flag raising and citizenship ceremony in the capital Canberra.

Many people have a day off work and use the day to picnic, go shopping or to play or watch sports events. In big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, spectacular public fireworks displays are held.

 In addition, the Australian of the Year Awards are presented. These are awards for Australians who have made an outstanding contribution to their country or community.

A decorated Australian Football League player, 34-year-old Adam Goodes, became Australian of the Year 2014. He has championed the fight against racism both on and off the sporting field.

englishnews@aa.com.tr