About Australia

About Australia

Overview
Australia is a diverse and beautiful country. Within this vast continent, Australians enjoy a high standard of living, a favourable climate, and stable social, economic and political conditions.

Geography
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, covering around 7.6 million square kilometres - about the same size as continental USA. It measures about 4000 km from east to west, and about 3200 km north to south.

Within and around Australia's 36,000 kilometres of coastline can be found some of the most stunning natural wilderness regions in the world. Among these are: the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches for hundreds of kilometres along the eastern coast of Australia; the tropical rainforest of Cape York; Kakadu National Park; Ayers Rock and many, many others.

Population
In December 2007, the Australian population passed 21 million, giving Australia one of the lowest population densities in the world.  By way of comparison, the metropolitan area of Mexico City has a population of over 21.5 million!

The majority of Australia's inhabitants live on or near the coast, with over 85% of the population being urban dwellers. Australia's two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are together home to more than 40% of the total population (a combined total of around 7 million people), and Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide each have a population in excess of 1 million people.

Climate
Whilst famous for its hot, sunny weather, Australia's size (the country spans 30 degrees of latitude) means that there is a surprising range of weather conditions across the country. These range from a cool, temperate climate in the south-east, Mediterranean conditions in the south-west, arid or semi-arid conditions in much of the interior, through to a tropical climate in the far north of the continent. During the winter months, mountain ranges in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania even receive regular snowfalls.

Economic
Australians enjoy a high standard of living and a relaxed lifestyle largely due to the country's favourable economic climate.

Traditionally, Australia owed its strong economy to primary industry. Agriculture was for many decades the main contributor to the national economy. Australia continues to be the world's leading producer of wool, and is also a prominent beef and wheat grower. Indeed, one third of Australia's revenue earnings is derived from wool, wheat, meat, sugar and dairy products.

In recent years, Australia's mineral wealth has been the main contributor to the country's export earnings. Australia is one of the world's leading producers of iron ore, bauxite, nickel, uranium, lead, zinc, copper, gold, silver and diamonds. Australia is also a major producer of coal, and the oil and gas industries have flourished in recent years.

The main manufacturing products produced in Australia include iron and steel, construction materials, petrochemicals, motor vehicles and electrical goods. Trade and service industries - and especially the tourism industry - also provide major sources of revenue for the Australian economy.

Political
Australia is an independent state within the British Commonwealth. It is a peaceful country, and enjoys a stable, three-tier system of democratic government.

The first tier of government is the Commonwealth or Federal Government. This is responsible for national affairs, including the national economy, foreign policy, defence, social services, immigration and the postal service. It also collects most of the country's taxation. Federal government is located in Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory.

At a second tier, the six States and two Territories each have their own governments. These are mainly responsible for education, health, transport and natural resources.

The third tier is the system of local governments at community level, which controls functions such as building and planning approvals, road works and rubbish disposal.

Cost of Living
Houses in the major cities of Australia are usually of a high standard, and are often larger than in many other nations.
House prices vary considerably from city to city, so you should check the average price in your intended destination.

Social
Australian cities rank with the world's finest in sophistication, culture and fashion. Excellent restaurants provide authentic cuisine from almost any region of the world that you can think of, as well as a style of cooking that is uniquely Australian. World class entertainment, museums, art galleries and theatres reflect the vast range of interests of an affluent and multicultural society.

Australian families make the most of the country's pleasant weather. Favourite sporting pastimes include cricket, various codes of football, netball, tennis, water-sports, camping, bush walking, and fishing. Skiing is also popular on the mountainous slopes in parts of eastern Australia. Indeed, practically every outdoor activity imaginable is available. And, of course, no summer would be complete without the traditional Australian barbecue!

Other key points that you should know include the following:

• English is the language of Australia, but many other languages are widely spoken, due to the multicultural nature of Australian society.
  

• Christianity is the most widely followed faith, but other faiths are also widely practiced, including Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism.
  

• Australian law is based on the English system of common law.
  

• Health care in Australia is excellent, and is provided through a combined system of private and public facilities.
  

• Education is of a very high standard, with children leaving secondary school after 10, 11, or 12 years. Colleges of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) offer an extremely wide range of vocational and nonvocational courses, and Australian universities are amongst the best in the world.
  

• We drive on the left-hand side of the road. The minimum legal age for driving is either 17 or 18 years, depending on the state or territory.
  

• Australia uses the AC 240 volt 50 cycle electrical system.

In summary, Australia offers an agreeable climate, a thriving economy, and a tolerant and harmonious lifestyle, in one of the most culturally diverse democracies in the world. It is a great place to live, and we look forward to helping you achieve your goal of making Australia your home.