Aborigines were the first settlers in Australia, arriving from Asia over 40,000 years ago. They lived nomadic lifestyles in small family groups, hunting and gathering food. The arrival of Europeans had devastating impacts on Aboriginal populations, as they fought against settlers for land, fell victim to new diseases, and saw their populations decline drastically. Remaining Aborigines were forced onto reservations and to work for Europeans, facing laws that restricted where they could live and work. Today, around 300,000 Aborigines live in Australia, and policies have shifted to support Aboriginal culture, language, and self-determination.