GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT AUSTRALIA

Here’s some detailed information about Australia:

General Information

Official Name: Commonwealth of Australia

Continent: Oceania

Capital: Canberra

Largest Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide

Population: Approximately 26 million (2025 estimate)

Official Language: English

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

Form of Government: Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy (the Queen of England is the head of state, represented by the Governor-General)

Geography

Both a continent and a country, Australia constitutes the world’s largest island continent.

Neighboring countries: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and New Zealand.

Key geographical regions: Great Barrier Reef, Outback (desert and rural areas), Australian Alps.

Climate: Mostly arid and semiarid, with tropical northern and temperate southeast and southwest regions.

History

Australia’s first inhabitants were Aboriginal people, who have lived on the continent for an estimated 65,000 years.

European explorers began exploring the continent in the 1600s.

In 1788, the first penal colony was established by the British (Sydney).

Australia was established as an independent federal state in 1901.

Economy

A developed economy with high per capita income.

Major sectors: Service sector, mining (iron, coal, gold), agriculture (wheat, sheep, sugarcane), tourism.

Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of iron ore and coal.

Culture and Society

A blend of diverse cultures (European, Asian, and Indigenous Aboriginal cultures).

Popular sports: Cricket, Australian rules football (AFL), rugby, swimming.

World-famous natural and tourist attractions: Sydney Opera House, Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the Great Barrier Reef.

Wildlife

Australia boasts a unique and diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingos, and platypuses.

Numerous venomous animals: some snakes, spiders, and jellyfish species.

Political System

Parliamentary system and federal structure: 6 states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania) and 2 large territories (Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory).

Legislative Body: Australian Parliament (Senate and House of Representatives).