Late in 2006 Australia proposed new citizens would be required to take a formal test. The UK introduced their test in 2004, and the US in 1986. Each test has a different aim.

The US is already piloting a newer version of their test, which requires immigrants to learn the civic values so as to fully participate in the American democracy.

The Life in the UK test is intended to ensure that migrants have an understanding of life in the UK and the requisite skills to allow them to fully integrate. Surprisingly, this will be accomplished using the questions similar to these from the BBC (includes answers), which are based on information in the official book.

Amongst these, the Australian citizenship test has the most puzzling aim, that of requiring migrants to demonstrate that they have knowledge of the Australian way of life. The citizenship.gov.au website proceeds to elaborate on the types of questions to be asked (the values and principles of Australian society; Australian geography; Australia’s national symbols and emblems; Australia’s parliamentary system of government; the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen; Australian law).

Which still leaves me perplexed as to why knowledge of the 'Australian Way of Life' has superseded learning 'civic values so as to fully participate in the democracy.' And how does information such as Australia's national floral emblem is Acacia pycnatha benth help immigrants to become better citizens?

Will you be ready for the test? Or more amusingly, will you be ready to swear allegiance to Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Australia?