It’s an interesting question—can a whole country have a personality? While it’s certainly a broad generalization, Australia Day seems like the perfect moment to reflect on the traits I’ve seen again and again in many Aussies I’ve met over the years.
As someone who didn’t grow up in Australia, certain qualities stood out immediately. Australians tend to be masters of understatement—calm, relaxed, and incredibly resilient. There’s a real sense of toughness, paired with a kind of humor that doesn’t back down, even in the face of serious situations. They seem to embody a spirit of “no worries, mate” even when chaos is unfolding.
If I were to give Australia a collective Myers-Briggs personality type, I’d go with ESFP. This personality type is known for being energetic, fun-loving, spontaneous, and friendly. ESFPs thrive in the moment, enjoy connecting with others, and love experiencing the world around them—traits that certainly align with the easygoing, vibrant side of Aussie culture.
A classic example of this came during a wild storm in Brisbane’s north back in December 2008. While many described it as a mini-cyclone that left a path of destruction, two laid-back locals—David and Ray—filmed the whole thing with a sense of humor and calm that perfectly captured the Aussie spirit.
So here’s a shoutout to all the Davids and Rays out there. Hope you had a fantastic Australia Day—full of laughs, mateship, and maybe just a little bit of mischief.