Australian Geography Standards: SS6G12 The student will be able to locate selected features of Australia. a. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Ayers Rock, and Great Victoria Desert. SS6G13 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, distribution of natural resources, and population distribution on Australia. a. Describe how Australia’s location, climate, and natural resources have affected where people live. b. Describe how Australia’s location, climate, and natural resources impact trade. SS6G14 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of people who live in Australia. a. Explain the impact of English colonization on the language and religion of Australia. b. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living.

Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef. Coral reefs are made up of living organisms. They exist in the ocean. The Great Barrier Reef stretches over an area of almost 133,000 square miles. It is so vast that it can be seen from outer space. As the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef has been labeled as one of the seven wonders of the world. It lies in the Coral Sea, off the northeast coast of Australia.

Great Victorian Desert The Great Victorian Desert is in southern Australia. It is vast, barren region with many small lakes and grasslands.

Ayers Rock Ayers Rock is a giant sandstone rock formation. It lies in central Australia. Ayers Rock has many waterholes, caves, and springs. The Aborigines believe Ayers Rock is sacred.

The Outback Much of Australia is covered by the Australian Outback. It is a dry region that covers most of Australia’s interior. Temperatures in the Outback can be very hot. There is very little rain. Most of the soil is not good for farming. Harsh conditions and the lack of fertile farmland mean that very few people live in the Outback.

Population Most Australians live in cities along Australia’s southeast coast. This is largely because of the mild, temperate climate the region offers. Due to rich mineral deposits, portions of northwest Australia are home to mining communities. Miners rely on these natural resources for income. The interior of the continent is dominated by the Outback.

Trade and Resources Australia’s geography impacts trade. Because of its dry terrain and vast wilderness areas. Australia has historically had to import many of the agricultural products that it needs. International trade has long been a critical part of Australia’s survival. Since Australia is an island nation, it has to import most manufactured goods.

Trade and Resources Continued Over the centuries, most Australians settled along the continents coast. These settlements served as important harbors and some of them grew into bustling cities. Towns also grew up further inland along Australia’s rivers. They provide the continent with what fertile land it has. Australia's rivers allow travel and permit inland farmers and businesses to ship products to the coast. Few Australian’s live in the Outback or other regions that offer very little water or access to trade.

Australia's Culture Australia’s culture is very much like that of Western Europe or the United States. Many of the fashions, products, musical styles, movies, businesses, and leisure activities that exist throughout the western world can be found in Australia.

British Culture Australia was once a British colony. British culture has greatly shaped the modern culture of Australia. English is the official language. The government is modeled after the United Kingdom. The king or queen of the United Kingdom still has symbolic role. Most Australians who follow a religion claim to be Christian. British missionaries introduced Christianity in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries

Aboriginal Culture Aboriginal cultures still exist in Australia. Aborigines are native Australians whose ancestors lived on the continent before Europeans arrived. Many Aboriginal citizens have adopted western customs (fashion, work in urban areas, go to universities, and have similar lifestyles) Other Aborigines live a more traditional existence. Many of the societies exist in the Outback, where the harsh climate and geography discourages Europeans from interfering with the native peoples’ way of life.

Literacy Australia’s literacy rate is very high. Most Australians are well educated. The literacy rate is lower among Aborigines. Due to years of discrimination, there are still problems in the Aboriginal community, such as poverty, high rates of alcoholism, and lack of education.

POP QUIZ

Question 1 The largest living organism in the world is The Aborigines Ayers Rock The Great Barrier Reef Found in the Outback

Question 2 Malcolm lives in a heavily populated city. There is a good chance Malcolm lives in The Great Victorian Desert Southeast Australia The Outback Northwest Australia