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This article is about the country Australia. For the continent Australia, see Oceania.

The Commonwealth of Australia is country, to the northwest of New Zealand, and south of Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. It is the sixth largest country in the world. The name 'Australia' comes from the Latin phrase terra australis incognita ("unknown southern land").

History

Main article: History of Australia

Australia has been inhabited for about 40,000 years, when the current ]s came from present-day South East 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 1780, and first colonised in 1787, including a large group of English convicts.

In 1901, Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire, thereby becoming independent. A recent referendum to change the status to a fully independent republic - the British queen is still the formal head of state of Australia - failed.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Australia

The formal head of state is the British queen, represented by a Governor General. In practice, however, executive power is in the hands of the prime minister, who heads the cabinet. The prime minister is usually the leader of the party that wins the elections for the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives (150 seats) is one of the two chambers of the 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 Territories

Australia is divided into a number of states and territories. The states are Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, while the territories, Australian Capital Territory and 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 and Keeling Islands) and several largely uninhabited external territories: Coral Sea Islands Territory, Heard and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory.

The capital territory of Canberra was chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, who both demanded to become the capital city.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Australia

The largest part of Australia consists of dry and arid desert, but the southeast has a temparate climate and fertile plains. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate, and is partially grown with tropical rainforests. Before the northeastern coast, the Great Barrier Reef is situated, the world's largest coral reef.

Australia is home to a wide variety of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Australia

Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West European economies. The Australian economy has been resilient in the face of the global economic downturn in 2001 chalking up 2.3% GDP growth, as the domestic economy is offsetting the external slump and business and consumer confidence remains robust. Canberra's emphasis on reforms is a key factor behind the economy's strength, and Australia is expected to outperform its trading partners in 2002, with GDP growth projected to be 3% or better. Australia probably will experience some weakness in mid-2002 as its business cycle tends to lag the US by about six months, and larger problems could emerge if Australia's trade position worsens.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Australia

Most of the Australian population descends from immigrants. Originally from the United Kingdom, Australia became a popular emigration destination in the 20th century, and many inhabitants are from Greek, Italian or Asian descent. The original population, the Australian Aborigines, make up less than 1% of the population.

English is the spoken language in Australia, although the Aborigines speak a few native languages. Religious diversity is great, although about three-quarters of the Australians is Christian, mostly Anglican and Catholic.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Australia

Due to the language, Australians have been able to easily merge with the American movie, television and music industries, resulting in many Australians being world famous, such as actors Mel Gibson and Nicole Kidman, and singers Kylie Minogue and Olivia Newton-John.

Miscellaneous topics

• Australian Constitutional History
• Australian Prime Ministers
• Australian cinema
• Australian culture
• Music of Australia
• Communications in Australia
• Transportation in Australia
• Military of Australia
• Foreign relations of Australia
• Australian native animals
• Australian native plants
• Australian flowers
• National parks (Australia)

External links

• History of Australia
• "Can You Hear Australia's Heroes Marching?" A song dedicated to honouring the memory of Australia's war dead
• Official site of the Australian Tourist Commission
• Unofficial and independent portal
• "South Australia - It's My Home". A state song for South Australia