Overview of Australia
General Information
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State |
Australia is a federal parliamentary democracy, made up of six states and two territories. |
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They are: |
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Total Area Covered |
Land: 7,617,930km2 |
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Population |
21 million (19 March, 2008) |
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Population density |
2.6/Km2 (Germany is 231/km2 ) |
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Language |
English |
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Capital City |
Canberra |
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Phone Dial Code |
+61 |
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GDP |
$674.6 billion(2006), Per capita GDP $33,300(2006) |
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Currency |
Australian Dollars (AUD) |
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Time Zone |
There are multiple time zones across Australia. |
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| during winter they range from +8 hours in Western Australia to +10 hours in Victoria |
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The Country
Australia is often referred to as "The Lucky Country"
With spacious surrounds, a high standard of living, excellent health and education systems, a temperate climate, a wide and varied landscape, political and economic stability and a good standard of living, Australian life is admired around the world.
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, but has the lowest population density per square kilometre. Visitors to the country are often amazed by the sheer size of Australia and its natural beauty that includes clear blue waters, stunning beaches, unspoilt rainforests and ancient rock formations.
Australia separated from the other world continents over 40 million years ago, resulting in a plethora of flora and fauna which is unique to the region.
Marsupials, black swans, kangaroos and koalas can all be found here in abundance, and no matter how far you travel there is always something new to discover.
The Economy
Australia has one of the most successful economies in the world and is equal to the dominant West European markets.
High-growth, low-inflation, low interest rates and a flexible labour market have all helped make it a vibrant and competitive economy.
Ongoing investment has been made into social infrastructures such as education, training, health and transportation. These factors, combined with an abundance of physical resources, ensure Australia enjoys a very high standard of living.
Immigration
Immigration is one of the cornerstones of Australian society. Since 1945, over 6 million people from 200 countries have migrated to Australia, with almost 25% of the local population being born overseas.
The People
Australians enjoy a modern society that offers a wide range of cultural pursuits. Most Australians spend a lot of time outdoors. They love to travel both domestically and internationally and have a strong sense of optimism.
Australians are among the most friendly, open minded and honest people in the world.
The vast majority of Australians live in close proximity to the coastline, with very few residing within the interior of the country, known as "the Outback"
Due to the large distances covered, automobiles are an essential part of Australian life, even for those who reside in urban areas.
The average Australian home is large compared to other nations and sits on a sizeable block of land. Much of the work carried out on these dwellings, including renovations and extensions, is carried out by the home owner themselves. This is an Australian tradition.
Australians love to socialise and have a passion for the arts and most sports. Celebrations often include food and alcohol, with wine currently the most popular drink.
During holidays and over weekends, Australia's beaches, rivers, lakes and parks are teeming with people, often organising picnics or barbeques and enjoying the temperate climate. An 'eskie' (cool box) is essential for these events.
Sport is hugely popular throughout the country, whether it be Australian Rules Football, rugby, soccer, cricket, swimming or surfing.
Aborigines are indigenous to Australia and make up 1% of the population. Early Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders inhabited most areas of the Australian continent before European settlers arrived.
During this period, each separate region employed a different language, lifestyle and religion, while cultural traditions varied greatly between settlements.
Indigenous Australians have a deep connection with the environment and use storytelling as a way of explaining much of history to their offspring.
When these children grow to be adults, the tradition is continued and the legends are retold. In this way, the 'stories of the dreaming' have been handed down through generations for thousands of years.
The Culture
Australia is one of the world's most culturally diverse nations, thanks to its indigenous population and a large number of settlers from all corners of the planet.
In the years following World War II, there was a huge influx of immigrants from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This has had a significant impact on the culture and customs.
Beaches
With over 10,000 beaches around the coastline of Australia, it is no wonder many of those considered to be the best in the world can be found here.
Health
The Australian Government employs a scheme known as 'Medicare, through which it provides medical support for Australian residents.
To help fund the scheme, resident taxpayers are subject to a Medicare levy, which equates to 1.5% of their taxable income, or slightly more for those on high incomes.
This covers the majority of expenses associated with visiting a doctor, obtaining blood tests and x-rays and the use of public hospitals. For all other treatments, including physiotherapy and dental care, private health cover is required. Most Australian families opt for this additional cover.
Education
State Governments are responsible for most of the education in Australia.
Pre-school is not compulsory, but between the ages of 6 and 17 a formal education is required.
The three tier system in Australia consists of primary, secondary and tertiary education, which includes universities, further education colleges and technical schools.
The academic year mainly runs from late January until mid-December for primary and secondary schools and TAFE colleges, and from late February until mid-November for universities.
All education beyond the compulsory stage is regulated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which integrates all levels of tertiary education into a single classification.
