Australian English is a major variety of the English language and is used throughout Australia. Although English has no official status in the Constitution, Australian English is Australia’s de facto official language and is the first language of the majority of the population (like it is in the United States). Australian English began to diverge from British English after the founding of the colony of New South Wales in 1788 and was recognised as being different from British English by 1820. Australian English differs from other varieties of English in vocabulary, accent, pronunciation, register, grammar and spelling. Writing system: Latin script (English alphabet) Official language in: 54 countries, 27 non-sovereign entities