Every year Google publishes some very interesting statistics. The results are derived from billions of searches over the 12 month period. For Australia the general search stats are as follows:

Fastest Rising (For 2008)

1. iphone
2. facebook
3. google maps
4. youtube
5. wiki
6. anz
7. wow
8. maps
9. sarah palin
10. underbelly

For more specific search categories, other countries top lists and other fasticaning stats, check the Google 2008 Year-End Zeitgeist.