Australia: A Great Country To Live In

what makes australia a great country

Australia is a great country for many reasons. It is the sixth-largest country in the world and is known for its diverse landscapes, from beautiful beaches to unique natural attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island. Australia has a strong economy, innovative industries, and a high quality of life, with a focus on wellbeing and a balance between work and leisure. The country is also highly urbanised, with vibrant cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, which offer a range of services, work opportunities, and cultural experiences. Australia's rich history dates back thousands of years, and it has a diverse mix of cultures, making it a deeply multicultural nation.

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Australia has a strong economy with 26 consecutive years of growth

Australia has a strong economy, with 26 consecutive years of growth. This economic success is underpinned by a variety of factors, including its natural resources, diverse industries, and international trade relationships.

Australia's natural resources play a significant role in its economic growth. The country has a large exclusive economic zone, which provides access to valuable mining exports, such as minerals and fuels. In 2018-19, the mining sector alone accounted for 8.5% of Australia's GDP and 50.9% of its goods and services exports. Additionally, Australia's agricultural sector, including its renowned wine industry, also contributes significantly to its economic strength.

Beyond natural resources, Australia has developed a diverse range of industries that contribute to its economic growth. Tourism, for example, is one of the country's largest export industries, employing over 666,000 people and bringing significant revenue to both regional and urban communities. Australia's vibrant and diverse performing arts sector, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander companies, captivates audiences domestically and internationally, further enhancing its economic and cultural appeal.

Australia's strong economy is also built on its international trade relationships. The country has free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries and regions, including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Peru, New Zealand, and Pacific Island countries. These FTAs facilitate the exchange of goods and services, attracting foreign investment and enhancing existing industries. Australia's well-regulated and transparent business environment further encourages foreign investment and makes it attractive for companies to establish operations within the country.

The Australian economy's resilience was notably demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Australia's economy showed great resilience compared to its major trading partners, supported by government initiatives and the ongoing demand for its exports.

Australia's economic success is closely tied to its natural resources, diverse industries, and international trade relationships. With 26 consecutive years of growth, the country has established itself as one of the notable economic success stories of the last 50 years.

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It's the fourth happiest country in the world

Australia is ranked as the fourth happiest country in the world. The ranking is based on six key factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. Australia's happiness is driven by its strong sense of community, high-quality public services, and diverse landscape.

The country's vibrant and diverse performing arts sector captivates audiences domestically and internationally. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts companies such as Bangarra Dance Theatre, Yirra Yaarkin, and Ilbijerri Theatre Company showcase the world's oldest continuous culture. Australia's unique brand of Australian Rules Football and other popular sports like rugby and cricket unite the nation and foster social harmony.

Australia's natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest living organism, and Fraser Island, the largest sand island globally, attract visitors worldwide. The country's diverse landscape, from its famous beaches to the rugged Outback, offers something for everyone.

The laid-back and friendly nature of Australians, especially outside the cities, contributes to the country's appeal. The country's multiculturalism, with a large Greek population and diverse immigrant communities, adds to its cultural richness. Australia's resilience in the face of challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is also notable, supported by a strong economy and government initiatives.

Overall, Australia's high ranking as one of the happiest countries is a testament to its diverse attractions, thriving industries, and the well-being of its people. The country's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and sense of community create an environment that fosters happiness and a high quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.

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Australia is highly urbanised, with 67% of its population living in metropolitan areas

Australia is a highly urbanised country, with 67% of its population living in metropolitan areas in 2018. The country has a relatively small population of 26 million people, dispersed across a large geographical area that is similar in size to the whole of Europe.

The mainland of Australia is considered the world's smallest continent and the country is the sixth-largest by total area. It is sometimes referred to as the "'island continent'" and has a vast coastline of 35,877 km (excluding offshore islands). The mainland is relatively flat, with an average height of 325 metres, and is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

The majority of Australia's population lives near coastlines, with five cities (including their suburbs) that have populations of over one million people. These cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Sydney is the largest city based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs), which represent labour markets and the functional areas of Australian capital cities.

Life in Australia's cities offers a range of services, work opportunities, and leisure activities in a relaxed and spacious environment. The country has a thriving creative sector, with a diverse performing arts scene that includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander companies. Australia is also known for its sporting culture, with community-based sports uniting the nation and contributing to social harmony.

The country's urban areas benefit from a well-regulated and transparent business environment, making it easy to establish and operate businesses. Australia's cities are characterised by cleanliness, safety, and efficient organisation, contributing to the country's high ranking as the fourth happiest country globally. The average age of the population was 39 years in 2021, and the nation is experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population, with more retirees and fewer people of working age.

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It's a leading Antarctic nation, driving efforts to preserve the continent

Australia is a leading Antarctic nation, with a long history of involvement on the southernmost continent. The country has been involved in Antarctica since at least the early 20th century, with Douglas Mawson leading a group of Australians and New Zealanders in the 1911–1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition. Mawson also played a key role in the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE) of 1929–1931, during which he claimed what is now the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) as British sovereign territory.

The AAT is a part of East Antarctica claimed by Australia as an external territory. It is the largest sector of Antarctica claimed by any country, covering nearly 5.9 million square kilometres, or about 42% of the continent. This makes it nearly 80% of the size of Australia itself. The territory is administered by the Australian Antarctic Division, which maintains three year-round stations—Mawson, Davis, and Casey—that support various research projects.

Australia is an original signatory to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which holds that all territorial claims are to be held in abeyance. However, Australia's claim to sovereignty over the AAT is only recognised by four other countries: New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, and Norway, all of which have territorial claims in Antarctica and mutually accept each other’s claims.

Despite this, Australia continues to play a leading role in driving international efforts to preserve Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science. Australia has around 80 scientists and support staff living and working at its Antarctic stations during winter, with this number increasing to 200 during summer. The country is also preparing a major three-year science campaign to study the Denman Glacier, one of the fastest-retreating glaciers in East Antarctica.

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Australia is a great sporting nation

The country's diverse landscapes and climates provide a perfect setting for a wide range of sports and outdoor activities. With its impressive natural beauty, from beaches to oceans and boundless spaces, Australia offers a unique backdrop for sports enthusiasts. The country's vast geography, which is as big as the entire European continent, provides ample space for outdoor pursuits.

Australia has a proud history of sporting success, with many world-renowned athletes and a strong Olympic legacy. The country's sportsmen and women are known for their talent and competitiveness across a range of disciplines. Australia's surf lifesaving movement, which originated in the country in the early 20th century, is an iconic part of Australia's beach culture and has contributed to the development of water sports and beach safety.

The country's vibrant and dynamic nature is reflected in its sports culture, with a new Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy aiming to empower Australian sports on a global scale. Australia's creative sectors, including performing arts, thrive alongside its sporting culture, showcasing the country's energetic and innovative spirit.

With a population of only 26 million, Australia's sporting achievements and culture are impressive and contribute to its reputation as a great sporting nation. The country's friendly and laid-back reputation, combined with its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, create an ideal environment for sports and outdoor pursuits, making Australia a true sporting paradise.

Frequently asked questions

Australia is a country with stunning natural beauty, from the world's largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. It also has some of the world's most beautiful ocean drives and impressive beaches.

Australia is the fourth happiest country in the world, with a perfect balance between work, family, and leisure time. It is a young, multicultural, and open country with a strong economy and a wide variety of landscapes and climates.

Australia has a supportive, business-friendly environment, with a well-regulated and transparent system that makes it easy to establish and operate a business. It has a varied and rewarding work culture with many job opportunities.

Australia has superb educational institutions and a rich history dating back 60,000 years. It offers a diverse mix of cultures from all over the world, with one in four people having no Australian origins.

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