Leslie Massey
Australia is widely considered to be an advanced country. It has a high quality of life, a developed economy, and advanced technological infrastructure relative to other less industrialized nations. Australia has a high average life expectancy of 83.6 years, a strong healthcare system, and a highly skilled workforce. It is also one of the most multicultural countries in the world, with a proud history of democracy and stable government. In terms of its economy, Australia has widespread industrialization, a thriving service sector, and strong international trade ties. Notably, Australia is a world leader in low-emissions technology, investing billions in future technologies and climate finance. While there are varying definitions of an advanced country, Australia consistently ranks highly across various indices and is recognized as a developed nation by organizations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.
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What You'll Learn
Australia's economy and GDP
Australia is recognised as a highly developed country with a mixed economy. Australia's economy is strongly intertwined with the countries of East and Southeast Asia, also known as ASEAN Plus Three (APT), accounting for about 64% of exports in 2016. China is Australia's main export and import partner by a wide margin. Australia is a member of the APEC, G20, OECD and WTO. The country has also entered into free trade agreements with ASEAN, Canada, Chile, China, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
Australia's average GDP growth rate for the period 1901–2000 was 3.4% annually. As of 2023, Australia was the 14th-largest national economy by nominal GDP (gross domestic product), the 19th-largest by PPP-adjusted GDP, and was the 21st-largest goods exporter and 24th-largest goods importer. Australia took the record for the longest run of uninterrupted GDP growth in the developed world with the March 2017 financial quarter. It was the 103rd quarter and the 26th year since the country had a technical recession. As of June 2021, the country's GDP was estimated at $1.98 trillion. In nominal terms, GDP rose 1.4% in March 2025.
Mining has contributed to Australia's high level of economic growth, from the gold rush in the 1840s to the present day. The opportunities for large profits in pastoralism and mining attracted considerable amounts of British capital, while expansion was supported by enormous government outlays for transport, communication, and urban infrastructure. As the economy expanded, large-scale immigration satisfied the growing demand for workers. Australia's mining operations secured continued economic growth and Western Australia benefited strongly from mining iron ore and gold from the 1960s and 1970s, which fuelled the rise of suburbanisation and consumerism in Perth.
From the early 1980s onwards, the Australian economy has undergone intermittent economic liberalisation. In 1983, under Prime Minister Bob Hawke, but mainly driven by treasurer Paul Keating, the Australian dollar was floated and financial deregulation was undertaken. The Australian economy is dominated by its service sector, which in 2017 comprised 62.7% of the GDP and employed 78.8% of the labour force.
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Healthcare and life expectancy
Australia is considered a developed country with a high quality of life, a developed economy, and advanced technological infrastructure. The country has widespread industrialization and provides quality healthcare for the majority of its citizens.
The healthcare system in Australia is excellent, with a high average life expectancy at birth of 83.6 years. The infant mortality rate in 2022 was three per 1,000 live births, one of the lowest rates globally. Life expectancy in Australia has improved dramatically over the last century, particularly life expectancy at birth. In 2021-2023, a newborn male could expect to live 81.1 years, and a female 85.1 years, compared to 51.1 years for males and 54.8 years for females born in 1891-1900.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in life expectancy in 2020-2022, the first decrease since the mid-1990s. In 2021, the death rate increased but remained lower than pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, the number of deaths increased by almost 20,000, with almost half attributed to COVID-19. In 2023, 5,001 deaths were registered as due to COVID-19, a decrease from the previous year.
There is a difference in life expectancy between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people and non-Indigenous Australians. In 2021-2023, life expectancy for First Nations males was 81.7 years in the Australian Capital Territory, and for First Nations females, it was 85.7 years in the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia. For non-Indigenous Australians, life expectancy was 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females in the same period.
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Australia's technological advancement
Australia is a leader in technological advancement, with a thriving tech ecosystem that contributes significantly to its economy. The country has a strong focus on research and development (R&D), consistently ranking among the top spenders globally in this sector. This commitment to R&D has positioned Australia at the forefront of new technology and innovations, attracting international recognition and investment.
One of the key indicators of Australia's technological advancement is its early adoption of digital technologies. Australians are known for their rapid and enthusiastic embrace of new technologies. Even in the early 2000s, Australia boasted one of the highest rates of internet access worldwide. This trend continues today, with Australia ranked first for technological readiness, alongside Singapore and Sweden. Australia excels in various aspects of digital readiness, including ease of doing business, start-up culture, and technology infrastructure.
The country's dedication to scientific discovery and innovation is evidenced by its substantial investments in R&D. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Australian government allocated $4.344 billion for R&D, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. Higher education institutions also play a pivotal role, with expenditures on R&D reaching $13.99 billion in the same period. This emphasis on research has yielded remarkable breakthroughs, including the discovery of acquired immunological tolerance in 1960 and observations contributing to the revelation of the accelerating universe in 2011.
Australia's prowess in quantum technology is particularly noteworthy. The country is ranked among the top five nations in quantum research capabilities, fostering a dynamic quantum technology industry. This sector is projected to flourish further, with estimates suggesting it could generate over A$4 billion in revenue and create 16,000 jobs by 2040. The UK-Australia FinTech Bridge agreement, signed in 2018, has also bolstered bilateral cooperation in fintech policy, regulation, and investment, enhancing Australia's reputation as a global fintech hub.
The technological advancements in Australia have had a positive impact on various industries, fostering innovation and improvements in existing practices. This has ultimately contributed to the country's economic growth, with Australia now being one of the leading nations in the import and export of goods. The promising environment and access to cutting-edge technologies attract international students and researchers, further enriching the country's technological landscape.
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Defence and security alliances
Australia has a defence and security alliance with the United States, long-term links with New Zealand, and robust defence and security ties with India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Australia is also a member of the APEC, G20, OECD, and WTO.
In recent years, Australia has joined numerous alliances, including AUKUS, Five Eyes, the Quad, ANZUS, and the QSD. Australia has also helped build peace in regional missions in the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Papua New Guinea).
Australia's economy is strongly intertwined with the countries of East and Southeast Asia, known as ASEAN Plus Three (APT), with China as its main export and import partner. Australia avoided recession during the 2008 global financial crisis, in part due to its proximity to the booming Chinese economy.
Australia is a highly developed country with a mixed economy and a high quality of life. It has a stable government and a highly skilled workforce. Australia has a strong service sector, which in 2017 comprised 62.7% of its GDP and employed 78.8% of its labour force.
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Democracy and government
Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a democratic political system. The country has a robust history of democracy and stable government. The Australian Constitution, which outlines the country's system of government and the roles and responsibilities of the federal parliament, was enacted in 1901. It is one of the world's oldest constitutional documents still in use today.
The Australian political system operates at two levels: the federal level and the state level. At the federal level, Australia is governed by a parliament consisting of the Queen of Australia (currently Queen Elizabeth II), the Senate, and the House of Representatives. The Queen is the ceremonial head of state and is represented by the Governor-General, who is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Senate is the upper house of parliament and consists of 76 senators, with 12 senators representing each of the six states and two senators representing each of the two territories. The House of Representatives is the lower house and currently consists of 151 members, with each state and territory represented proportionally to its population. The two houses of parliament work together to create and amend laws, with the Senate reviewing and approving laws passed by the House of Representatives.
The Australian political system is dominated by two major political parties: the Australian Labor Party (ALP), which is centre-left and currently in power, and the Liberal Party of Australia, which is centre-right and currently the main opposition party. The country also has several minor parties, including the Australian Greens, the National Party, and the Liberal National Party.
Elections in Australia are held regularly to elect representatives to the parliament. Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18, and the country utilizes a preferential voting system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference. This system allows for the representation of minor parties and independent candidates, as well as the two major parties.
Australia is also known for its strong commitment to individual rights and freedoms. The Australian Constitution includes a number of implied freedoms, such as freedom of speech and freedom of association, and the country has a robust legal system that upholds the rule of law. Additionally, Australia has signed and ratified a number of international treaties and conventions related to human rights, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens and promoting human rights globally.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is considered an advanced country. It has a high quality of life, a developed economy, and advanced technological infrastructure.
A developed or advanced country is a sovereign state that has a high quality of life, a developed economy, and advanced technological infrastructure relative to less industrialized nations.
The criteria for evaluating the degree of economic development are gross domestic product (GDP), gross national product (GNP), per capita income, level of industrialization, widespread infrastructure, and the general standard of living.
According to the International Monetary Fund, 41 countries and territories are officially listed as "advanced economies", including 29 countries and dependencies in Europe, three countries and territories in the Americas, and six others given by the CIA.
Australia became an advanced country through various factors, including its natural resources, mining industry, and strong economic ties with other countries, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. Australia also has a highly skilled workforce, a stable government, and a strong focus on developing advanced technologies.
