Overview of Australia

Profile

Australia is the world's sixth-largest country, featuring diverse landscapes including the arid Outback, the world's largest coral reef system, temperate rainforests, and alpine regions. As a resource-rich nation, it has developed advanced service industries in urban areas, building sophisticated infrastructure and a multicultural society. Its education system and healthcare are ranked among the world's best, and major cities consistently appear in livability rankings.

Official name: Commonwealth of Australia
Common name: Australia
Numeric code: 036
Alpha-3 code: AUS
Alpha-2 code: AU
Population: 26.13 million (2023)
Population density: 3.4
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Christianity, No religion, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism
National anthem: Advance Australia Fair
Calling code: +61
Internet TLD: .au

History

Formed in 1901 as a dominion through the union of six colonies, gradually expanding legislative powers to become an independent nation.

Aboriginal settlement dates back at least 40,000 years. James Cook claimed the east coast for Britain in 1770, and penal colonies were established from 1788. Population surged through gold rushes and wool industry development. The Commonwealth was formed on January 1, 1901, and legislative independence was established through the 1931 Westminster Statute. After World War II, the White Australia policy was abolished, actively embracing multiculturalism and immigration.

Geography & climate

Mosaic of arid lowland Outback in the continental center, Great Dividing Range in the east, tropical wetlands in the north, and Mediterranean vegetation in the southwest

Tropical monsoon in the north, desert and steppe inland, warm humid on southeast coast, Mediterranean in southwest

Area: Oceania / 7692024 km²
Capital: Canberra
Largest city: Sydney
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Eyre, Lake Torrens, Lake Gairdner

Natural resources

Iron ore, Coal, Natural gas, Gold, Bauxite, Uranium, Diamonds, Opal, Nickel, Copper, Rare earths, Wool, Wheat, Wine grapes, Marine resources

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (Commonwealth realm), federal system, parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

GDP (nominal): 1.71 trillion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 1.84 trillion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: AEST, ACST, AWST

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

European (British, Irish, etc.), Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Filipino

Life expectancy

83.2

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Cricket, Australian Rules Football, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Surfing, Swimming, Soccer, Basketball