"The essence of Australia is diversity: deserts, coral reefs, tall forests, snow-cloaked mountains and multicultural melting-pot cities..."
Population: 23, 200, 142
Area: 7, 692, 024 km2 Capital : Canberra Largest City: Sydney Monarch: Elizabeth II Prime Minister: Tony Abbott National Anthem: "Advance Australia Fair" Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) Australians all let us rejoice For we are young and free We've golden soil and wealth for toil, Our home is girt by sea: Our land abounds in nature's gifts Of beauty rich and rare, In history's page let every stage Advance Australia fair, In joyful strains then let us sing Advance Australia fair. Beneath our radiant Southern Cross, We'll toil with hearts and hands, To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands, For those who've come across the seas We've boundless plains to share, With courage let us all combine To advance Australia fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia fair. - "Advance Australia Fair" |
The geography of Australia is extremely diverse, ranging from the snow-capped mountains of the Australian Alps and Tasmania to large deserts, tropical and temperate forests. Australia is world famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "the Outback".
However, Australia is actually one of the world's most highly urbanised countries, well known for the cosmopolitan attractions of its large cities. Melbourne promotes itself as a centre for the arts, while Brisbane promotes itself through various, multicultural urban villages. Adelaide is known for being a centre for festivals, while Perth is known for its food and wine culture, as well as the international fringe arts festival. Multiculturalism... Australia has a multicultural population practising almost every religion and lifestyle. Over one-quarter of Australians were born outside Australia, and another quarter have at least one foreign-born parent. There are approximately half a million Australians who identify as being of Aboriginal descent. Many fewer maintain elements of traditional Aboriginal culture. An outdoor lifestyle... With more than 80 per cent of Australians living within 50 kilometres of the coast, the beach has become an integral part of their famous laid-back lifestyle. Australia’s most famous beaches - Bondi and Manly in Sydney, St Kilda in Melbourne, Surfers Paradise on the Queensland Gold Coast, Cottesloe in Perth and Glenelg in Adelaide – attract locals as well as international tourists. A rich history... Aboriginal people of Australia have a rich, living culture stretching back at least 50,000 years. Discover it through art, dance, myths, music and the land itself. See Aboriginal art and contemporary dance in the cities. Or head to the outback and listen to Dreamtime myths of creation by the campfire. Bushwalk or learn to craft spears and catch fish in the traditional way and connect with the world’s oldest living culture. Australia is land of truly amazing contrasts and unforgettable experiences. The urban sophistication of its cities is enjoyable yet unpretentious; while its outback is vast and often mysterious. Its endless miles of beaches deliver year-round fun, while the country's quirky wildlife - including its kangaroos and cuddly koalas - never fail to intrigue. |