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Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA & 50% larger than Europe. Australia also has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometer. Australia’s coastline stretches almost 50,000 kilometers & is linked by over 10,000 beaches, more than any other country in the world. More than 85 % of Australians live within 50 kilometers of the coast, making it an integral part of their laid-back lifestyle.

Population 21,741,946 Made up of 6 states & smaller territories Western Australia Northern Territory South Australia Queensland New South Wales Victoria

Bodies of water include: Indian Ocean Southern Ocean Bass Straight, Tasman Sea South Pacific Ocean Coral Sea Gulf of Carpentaria Arafura Sea

Each state has a Governor appointed by the Queen which by convention she does on the advice of the state Premier. The Administrators of the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island are, by contrast, appointed by the Governor-General.

Australia’s diverse culture and lifestyle reflect its liberal democratic traditions and values, geographic closeness to the Asia– Pacific region and the social and cultural influences of the millions of migrants who have settled in Australia since World War II.

Australia has had one of the most outstanding economies of the world in recent years. As a high-growth, low-inflation, low interest rate economy, it is more vibrant than ever before. With its abundant physical resources, Australia has enjoyed a high standard of living since the nineteenth century.

Today Australia has a population of more than 21 million people. More than 43 per cent of Australians either were born overseas themselves or have one parent who was born overseas. Australia’s Indigenous population is estimated at , or 2.3 per cent of the total.

All people in Australia are encouraged to learn English, which is the national language and an important unifying element of Australian society. However, languages other than English are also valued. In fact, more than 15 per cent of Australians speak languages other than English at home. The most commonly spoken languages after English are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin. Australians speak more than 200 languages, including Indigenous Australian languages.

Australia is a predominantly Christian country, with around 64 per cent of all Australians identifying as Christians. However, most other major religious faiths are also practiced, Australia has no official state religion and people are free to practice any religion they choose, as long as they obey the law. Australians are also free not to have a religion. effecting Australia’s culturally diverse society.

Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is home to the world’s largest oyster, weighing up to 3 kilograms. The world’s longest earthworm, stretching up to 4 meters, is found in Gippsland in Victoria. The heaviest crab, weighing up to 14 kilograms, is found in Bass Strait near Tasmania.

The highest point on the mainland, Mount Kosciuszko, is only 2228 meters.

800 species of birds 4,000 fish varieties Tens of thousands of species of invertebrates, plants and micro- organisms 25,000 species of plants