Australia — Country Guide
Overview
Australia is a country and continent in the Southern Hemisphere, comprising the Australian mainland, Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by land area. Canberra is the national capital.
Geography
Australia is known for its distinctive geography: the arid Outback covering much of the interior, tropical regions in the north, temperate zones in the southeast and southwest, and the Great Barrier Reef off the northeastern coast. It is the flattest and, after Antarctica, the driest inhabited continent.
Culture
Australian culture blends British heritage with influences from immigration and the world's oldest continuous Indigenous cultures — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose history on the continent stretches back tens of thousands of years. Outdoor life, sport (including Australian rules football, cricket and rugby) and a famously informal social style are widely associated with the country.
Languages
English is the dominant language of daily life, government and business. Many community languages are spoken in Australia's multicultural cities, and numerous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages survive, with revitalization efforts underway.
Travel
Australia is a popular long-haul destination known for its cities, beaches, reefs and Outback. Entry requirements depend on nationality and change over time; travellers should check current visa rules with official Australian government sources before booking.
Government
Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The monarch is head of state, represented by the governor-general; the prime minister is head of government. The country has six states and several territories with their own governments. Voting in federal elections is compulsory for eligible citizens.
Education
Education is compulsory for children and is administered by the states and territories within national frameworks. Australia's universities attract large numbers of international students, and the school year generally runs from late January to December, aligned with the Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Major cities
Sydney is the largest city, known for its harbour and Opera House. Melbourne is a major cultural and sporting center. Other major cities include Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Canberra is the purpose-built national capital.
Currency
The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), denoted by the symbol $. It is divided into 100 cents.
Time zones
Mainland Australia uses three standard time zones: Eastern (AEST), Central (ACST) and Western (AWST). Some southeastern states observe daylight saving time in the warmer months; Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory generally do not.
Useful facts
Australia is the only country that is also a continent. Kangaroos and emus — both native animals unable to walk backward easily — appear on the national coat of arms. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system.
Sources and further reading
Encyclopaedia Britannica; Australian Bureau of Statistics; Australian Government official portal (for current rules and services).