AUSTRALIA - ABOUT

About The Country:

Australia consists of a large island continent and the large offshore island of Tasmania. It is the only country in the world that is a continent. The country is only a little smaller than the United States but its sparse population is comparable with that of Canada. People from all over the world make up the Australian society. English is the language of Australia and approximately 17% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Over 200 languages are spoken including 45 Indigenous languages. Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. The landscape varies from endless sun baked horizons to dense tropical rainforest to chilly southern beaches. Scattered along the coasts, its cities blend a European enthusiasm for art and food with a laid-back love of sport and the outdoors. The official currency of Australia is dollar and the symbol is A $. The Major cities are Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Victoria, and Queensland.

Climate: Including Tasmania it spans 30 degrees of latitude, resulting in a large range of climates from temperate to tropical. Located in the tropics it is blessed with a warm climate round the year. January is usually hottest and July is the coldest time of the year.

Geography: Australia's geography is astonishing and its sheer size and space is a novelty to most settlers. Australia is the world's sixth biggest country but with only the 54th largest population, it boasts the lowest population density, two people per square kilometer. Australians therefore enjoy spacious living environments and large houses.