Australia is both the name of the world's smallest continent, and the short form of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Commonwealth of Australia is the sixth largest country in the world (geographically), the only one to occupy an entire continent, and the largest in Australasia. New Zealand is to to the southeast; Papua New Guinea, West Papua and East Timor to its north, and Indonesia northwest. The name 'Australia' comes from the Latin phrase terra australis incognita ("unknown southern land", see Terra Australis).
History
Main article: History of AustraliaOther topics: Australian Constitutional History, Australian Prime Ministers
Australia has been inhabited for at least 50,000 years, since the remote ancestors of the current Australian Aborigines arrived from present-day Southeast Asia. The land was not discovered by Europeans until the 17th century, when it was sighted and visited by several expeditions. It was claimed for the United Kingdom in 1770, and first colonised in 1788 as an English penal colony.
In 1901, Australia became a commonwealth or dominion within the British Empire, thereby becoming independent (though full formal independence took a considerable time after that). Australia is a Constitutional monarchy, with the 'Queen of Australia' reigning as head of state. Under Australian law, the monarch of the United Kingdom reigns also as Australian monarch. A referendum to introduce a republic, with a president replacing the queen, in 1999 was defeated.
Politics
Main article: Politics of AustraliaOther topics: Foreign relations of Australia, Military of Australia, Republic Advisory Committee.
The Commonwealth of Australia is a constitutional monarchy: the Queen of Australia is the official head of state and is represented by the Governor General. In practice the role of the Crown (and thus that of the Governor General) is largely ceremonial. The executive power theoretically vested in the Crown is exercised by an elected cabinet headed by a prime minister. The prime minister is almost always the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives (150 seats) is one of the two chambers of the federal parliament, the other being the Senate (76 seats). Elections for both chambers are held every three years.
States and Territories
Main article: Australian States and TerritoriesAustralia is divided into six states and several territories. The states are Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania: the territories, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
Australia also has an additional minor internal territory, Jervis Bay Territory (a naval base in New South Wales), several inhabitated external territories (Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and several largely uninhabited external territories: Coral Sea Islands Territory[?], Heard Island and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory.
The Australian Capital Territory was created at the chosen site of the capital city Canberra. Canberra was founded as a compromise between the two largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney.
Geography
Main article: Geography of AustraliaOther topics: Protected areas of Australia
By far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-desert[?]—40% of the landmass is covered by sand dunes[?]—. Only the south-east and south-west corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate: part is tropical rainforests, part grasslands, and part desert. The Great Barrier Reef, by far the world's largest coral reef, lies a short distance off the north-east coast.
Flora and Fauna
Main articles: Australian fauna-- Australian flora -- Australian birdsAlthough most of the continent is desert or semi-desert[?], Australia nevertheless includes a diverse range of habitats, from alpine heaths to tropical rainforests. Because of the great age of the continent, its very variable weather patterns, and its long-term geographic isolation, much of Australia's biota is unique.
Economy
Main article: Economy of AustraliaOther topics: Australian dollar
Australia has a prosperous Western-style mixed economy, with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant Western European economies. In recent years, the Australian economy has been resilient in the face of global economic downturn, with steady growth.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of AustraliaOther topics: Communications in Australia, Transportation in Australia
Most of the Australian population descends from 19th and 20th century immigrants, most from the United Kingdom to begin with, but from other sources in later years. Many inhabitants are of Greek, Italian or Asian descent. Descendants of the original population, the Australian Aborigines, make up less than 1% of the population. In common with many other developed countries, Australia is currently experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population, with more retired people and fewer of working age.
English is the spoken language in Australia, although some of the surviving Aboriginal communities maintain their native languages, and a considerable number of first and sometimes second-generation migrants are bi-lingual. Although the nation is broadly secular and few are church-goers, three-quarters of Australians are nominally Christian, mostly Catholic or Anglican. A diverse range of other religions is practised.
Culture
Main article: Culture of AustraliaOther topics: Australian cinema, Music of Australia
See also: Australian public holidays, list of Australians
External links
- Australian Tourist Commission (http://www.australia.com)
- Australian History (http://www.austemb.org/history.htm) -- from the Washington Embassy
- Country of Australia (http://www.countryofaustralia.info) -- Sunnybank[?] web directory
Common misspelling and questions (FAQ)
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