Australia

Australia is an independent Western democracy with a population of more than 20 million. It is one of the world’s most urbanized countries, with about 70 per cent of the population living in the 10 largest cities. Most of the population is concentrated along the eastern seaboard and the south-eastern corner of the continent.
Australia is the world’s biggest island and smallest continent, with glorious climates, beautiful scenery, exciting modern cities and unique wildlife. Geographically, it is incredibly varied, with some of the largest expanses of sweeping, golden beaches and temperate rainforests in the world. Its coral reefs with rich marine life are famous and contrast with the mountain ranges and sparse deserts. It has the world’s largest sand island, snow capped mountains and the striking Ayers Rock (Urulu). The wildlife is unique, dingoes, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, crocodiles, turtles and dolphins and much more.
Northern and Western Australia (The Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia) have climates similar to SE Asia: summer is hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 20-35C and in winter it's dryer, with temps of 10-22C. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania have more temperate climates, with summer temperatures from 16- 30C and winter cooling to 7-18C
Australia’s lifestyle reflects its mainly Western origins, but Australia is also a multicultural society. it is a comparatively safe, stylish, growing country with a clean environment, a spirit of fun and adventure, a passion for sport and all things ‘outdoors’ and an established art/music and café scene. The people are famous for being open, friendly, welcoming and relaxed. There are 19 million Australians living in a country roughly the same size as Mainland USA. Of these 7.8 million were born outside Australia or are children of those born outside of Australia. It is one of the most multicultural societies in the world. There are more than 100 ethnic groups. Each year the number of International Students choosing to study in Australia increases and Australia currently has the third largest international student enrolment.
The national flag of Australia is the only one to fly over the whole continent. It is composed of three parts: The union jack is on the top left corner, the star of federation is on the bottom left corner, and the Southern Cross taking up the right half of the flag. The Union Jack shows the first colonisation by Europeans by Britain. The star of federation is a seven pointed star. The star has seven points, one for each state. As Australia has six states, the seventh point is for Australian Territories. The Southern Cross is a constellation that can be seen from all of Australia's states and territories.
Australia’s official language is English, by common usage rather than law. Australian English does not differ significantly from other forms of English, although some colloquial and slang expressions are unique. Australia’s national day, Australia Day, on 26 January, marks the date in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip, of the British Royal Navy, commanding a fleet of 11 ships, sailed into Port Jackson (Sydney Cove). Phillip formally took possession of the eastern part of the continent for England and established a settlement, now Australia’s largest city, Sydney.
Australia is the only country occupying the whole continent and Australia’s flag flies over the whole continent. Australia is a continent in Oceania located between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean at 27° S 144° E. Total area is 7,686,850 square kilometers.

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