Lexi Webster
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country by area, making up just 5% of the world's land area. It is the smallest continent and the largest island. The country is divided into six states and two territories, with the mainland extending from west to east for nearly 2,500 miles (4,000 km). The population is concentrated on the coastal fringes, with about 95% of people living within 100 km of the coast. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from rolling deserts and lush rainforests to sun-soaked cities and mountain wilderness. Western Australia is the largest state, while the Northern Territory is home to the country's 'outback', with iconic destinations such as Uluru and Kakadu National Park. Australia has a unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms, making it a popular tourist destination.
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What You'll Learn
Geography and climate
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country by area, spanning 7,688,287 square kilometres. It is the smallest continent in the world and the largest island. The country is divided into six states and two internal territories. The six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. The two internal territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). In addition, there are several external territories, including Norfolk Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Christmas Island.
The geography of Australia is diverse, ranging from rolling deserts to lush rainforests and sun-soaked cities. The mainland is mostly flat and arid, with slow-moving rivers that contribute to salt buildup on the land, adversely affecting soil quality. The population is concentrated on the coastal fringes, with about 95% of people living within 100 kilometres of the coast. The population density is low, at 3.5 inhabitants per square kilometre, but there are large concentrations in cities along the temperate south-eastern coastline, such as Melbourne.
The Northern Territory, located at the top end of Australia, is known for its outback landscapes, iconic wildlife, and Aboriginal culture. It is home to famous national parks such as Kakadu National Park and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Western Australia, the largest state, offers a range of experiences, from the dramatic Kimberley Region to the idyllic Rottnest Island and the Margaret River wine and surf region. The state's capital, Perth, is known for its serene beaches and fresh seafood.
South Australia, lounging at the bottom of the central part of the country, is a laid-back destination with a thriving arts scene. Its capital, Adelaide, provides easy access to the Barossa Valley wineries and Kangaroo Island. Tasmania, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, is a microcosm of Australia, offering dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and picturesque rivers. Queensland, known as the 'Sunshine State', boasts the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the Whitsunday Islands. Its capital, Brisbane, enjoys ample winter sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Australia has a federal form of government, with a national government for the Commonwealth of Australia and individual state governments. The external territories are regulated by the federal parliament, which has the power to make laws for all territories. The country has a high level of urbanisation, with the world's 14th-largest economy and the second-highest human development index. It has the ninth-largest immigrant population globally and is known for its multicultural society, with a broad spectrum of cultures drawn from many lands.
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Population and demographics
Australia is a country and continent that occupies a unique position in the Southern Hemisphere, with a landmass of 7,692,024 square kilometres (2,969,907 sq mi). The Australian continent includes mainland Australia,
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Politics and government
Australia is a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary democracy in the Westminster tradition. The country's head of state is the monarch, currently King Charles III, who is represented locally by the governor-general. The governor-general is the federal representative of the monarch and is appointed by them. The head of government is the prime minister, currently Anthony Albanese of the Australian Labor Party (ALP).
The Australian Constitution sets out the rules by which the country is run, including how the Australian and state parliaments share the power to make laws. Australia is a federation, where power is divided between the federal government and the states. The country has six states and two self-governing territories, each with its own bicameral parliament, except for Queensland and the two territories, whose parliaments are unicameral. The Australian Parliament has the power to make laws on national matters such as defence, immigration, trade, and foreign affairs.
The Australian Parliament consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate's system of single transferable voting requires a lower quota than the House to obtain a seat, making it easier for minor parties to gain representation. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, has historically been dominated by the two major parties, with the lower house controlling the workings of the House. The opposition, consisting of the second-largest party or coalition, can considerably delay the passage of legislation.
The executive branch, which includes the prime minister, cabinet ministers, and other ministers, is responsible for implementing the laws passed by Parliament. The prime minister selects the cabinet ministers, who make most of the important policy decisions. The cabinet is not a legal entity but exists by constitutional convention. The judiciary is the third branch of government, responsible for interpreting and enforcing the laws.
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Wildlife and nature
Australia is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with a large variety of animals and plants. It is one of only 17 'megadiverse' nations and has more species than any other developed country.
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is a non-government organisation that works to protect the country's biodiversity. It owns or manages 4.8 million hectares of land for conservation, working to restore ecosystems and protect endangered species. The AWC focuses on science, innovation, and partnerships to restore wildlife and landscapes.
Australia has a wide range of unique animal groups, with about two-thirds of the world's 330 species of marsupials native to the country. This includes kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, and possums. The country also has a high proportion of birds, insects, and reptiles. In fact, about 46% of birds, 69% of mammals, 94% of amphibians, and 93% of reptiles that inhabit the continent are endemic to it. Australia is home to two of the world's five known extant species of monotremes: the platypus and the short-beaked echidna. The platypus is a venomous, egg-laying, duck-billed amphibious mammal, while the short-beaked echidna has a tubular snout and a tongue that moves at a rate of 100 times per minute to capture termites.
The country's geographical isolation has resulted in its unique flora and fauna. Australia's mainland is flat and arid, which has resulted in slow-moving rivers and a build-up of salt on the land. This, coupled with nutritionally poor flora, has favoured animals with lower energy requirements, such as snakes and lizards.
Unfortunately, habitat destruction, introduced species, and urban expansion threaten the survival of native species in Australia. Since European settlement, hundreds of species have become extinct, and today, nearly one in three unique mammals is at risk of extinction. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting Australia's diverse wildlife and ecosystems.
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History and culture
Australia is a country with a rich history and diverse culture, spanning thousands of years. The continent has been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for over 65,000 years, with a deep connection to the land and a unique cultural heritage. The Indigenous people of Australia, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, have a long and complex history, with a vast array of languages, customs, and traditions that vary across the country's diverse regions.
The first recorded European expedition to Australia was led by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642, who named the land 'New Holland'. However, it was the British explorer James Cook who claimed the east coast of Australia for Great Britain in 1770, paving the way for the establishment of penal colonies in the late 18th century. The First Fleet of British ships arrived in 1788, carrying convicts and establishing the first European settlement in Sydney. This marked the beginning of significant changes to the Indigenous way of life, as the British imposed their laws, culture, and systems of land ownership.
The early colonial period was marked by conflict and tension between the British settlers and the Indigenous Australians, with diseases, violence, and dispossession leading to a significant decline in the Indigenous population. Despite these challenges, many Indigenous communities persevered and continued to resist and adapt to the changing landscape. As the colonies grew and prospered, free settlers began to outnumber the convicts, and the colonies became more economically and politically stable.
The mid-19th century saw a push for self-government and independence from Britain, with the colonies gradually gaining more autonomy. This period also witnessed significant developments in the Australian economy, with the discovery of gold and the subsequent gold rush transforming the country. Large-scale immigration from diverse countries, including China, contributed to a rapidly growing and multicultural population. The push for federation gained momentum, and in 1901, the six colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia, establishing a federal system with a parliamentary democracy.
The 20th century saw Australia's continued growth and development as a nation, with significant contributions from waves of post-World War II immigration, further enriching the country's cultural diversity. The country experienced economic growth and social changes, with the expansion of industries such as manufacturing and services. Australia also played a prominent role in global conflicts, with significant contributions during both World Wars and subsequent peacekeeping efforts.
Today, Australia is a diverse and multicultural society, with ongoing recognition and celebration of its Indigenous heritage. The country continues to attract immigrants from around the world, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and languages. The Australian identity is often associated with a strong sense of mateship, a love for the outdoors, and a unique sense of humour. The arts, sports, and cultural festivals play a significant role in shaping the country's vibrant culture and community spirit.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is the smallest continental land mass and the largest island in the world.
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia.
Australia has six states and two territories.
Australia has a population density of 3.5 inhabitants per square kilometre, which is one of the lowest in the world.
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world with a size of 7,688,287 square kilometres.
