AUSTRALIA
Australia stands as the singular nation globally that spans an entire continent, ranking among the largest countries on Earth.
FUNT FACT'S
Official Name: Commonwealth of Australia
Form of Government: Federal parliamentary democracy; Commonwealth realm
Capital: Canberra
Population: 26,609,479
Official Language: English
Money: Australian Dollar
Area: 2,969,906 square miles (7,692,024 square kilometers)
Major Mountain Ranges: Great Dividing Range, Macdonnell Ranges
Major Rivers: Murray-Darling, Murrumbidgee, Lachlan
GEOGRAPHY
Australia stands out as the sole nation encompassing an entire continent, ranking among the largest countries globally. Despite its abundance in natural resources and fertile land, over one-third of Australia comprises arid deserts.
The majority of Australian urban centers and agricultural areas are situated in the southwest and southeast regions, where the climate is more temperate. In the northeast, lush rainforests flourish. The renowned outback, representing remote rural expanses, features the nation's expansive deserts characterized by scorching temperatures, scarce water, and minimal vegetation.
Traversing the eastern and southeastern periphery of Australia is the Great Dividing Range, a 2,300-mile (3,700-kilometer) mountainous expanse. This range directs water flow into Australia's crucial rivers and the Great Artesian Basin, recognized as the world's largest groundwater reservoir.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Australia stands as one of the globe's most culturally diverse countries, with almost a quarter of its residents originating from various parts of the world. The immigrant population hails not only from the United Kingdom and other European nations but also from China, Vietnam, North Africa, and the Middle East.
The nation's warm and sunny climate, coupled with vast open spaces, fosters a collective affinity for outdoor activities among its inhabitants. Australians exhibit a fervent passion for sports, engaging in a wide array of activities such as swimming, surfing, sailing, tennis, soccer, cricket, rugby, and their unique creation, Australian rules football.
NATURE
Australia possesses an extraordinary ecosystem, shaped by its isolated location. Consequently, it harbors a plethora of animal species found exclusively within its borders, such as the platypus, kangaroo, echidna, and koala. The country takes extensive measures to safeguard its unique flora and fauna, boasting 516 national parks.
An awe-inspiring natural wonder in Australia emerges dramatically, resembling an enormous whale's back against the backdrop of the flat red-soil desert known as the Red Center. This sacred site, named Uluru, stands at the heart of the nation, reaching a height of 1,100 feet (335 meters), making it the largest rock globally.
Australia's diverse wildlife includes some of the world's most lethal species. The eastern regions host 36 varieties of venomous funnel-web spiders, while the country is home to 20 types of venomous snakes, including the taipan, a swift and aggressive serpent capable of delivering repeated fatal bites within minutes.
Various rainforest types contribute to Australia's ecological richness. Tropical rainforests, concentrated mainly in the northeast, boast the highest biodiversity. Subtropical rainforests thrive along the mid-eastern coast, while broadleaf rainforests flourish in the southeast and on Tasmania's island.
GOVERNMENT
Functioning as a Commonwealth of the United Kingdom, Australia currently has the British monarch as its head of state. A considerable number of Australians advocate for severing ties with Britain and transitioning to a republic. Despite a close vote in 1999 where Australians opted to remain connected to the UK, the debate on this matter persists.
Australia plays a crucial role as a major exporter of agricultural products, including wool, wheat, beef, fruit, and wine. Additionally, the nation boasts abundant reserves of minerals and metals, ranking as the world's fourth-largest producer of gold.
HISTORY
Approximately 50,000 years ago, Aboriginal people migrated to Australia, possibly traversing land bridges exposed during periods of lower sea levels, most likely originating from Asia. Adapting to the challenging conditions of the outback, the resilient Aborigines developed a unique way of life.
The Dutch explorers made the first recorded landing in Australia in 1606, with British settlement commencing in 1788. A significant portion of the settlers consisted of convicts dispatched to Australia as a form of punishment. Initially, there was a brief period of peaceful coexistence between the newcomers and the Aboriginal population. However, disputes over land ownership led to conflicts.
The year 1851 marked a pivotal moment when gold was discovered in Australia. This triggered a rush for wealth, attracting thousands of immigrants and resulting in the establishment of six distinct colonies by 1859. Finally, in 1901, these colonies united to form a British Commonwealth.
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