1. AUSTRALIA Caitlin Kienzle Teaching Elementary Social Studies Cultural Geography II September 29, 2011 Caitlin Kienzle Teaching Elementary Social Studies Cultural Geography II September 29, 2011

2. History Aboriginal settlers arrive - 17th century 1829 - All of Australia claimed as British territory 1901 - Commonwealth of Australia World Wars and After 1949 - 1972 government controlled by Liberal Party coalition

3. History 1991 - Deep recession 1999 - Referendum 2002/2003 - DROUGHT Dec 2005 - Mob violence in Sydney

4. History Jan 2005 - deadly brush fire 2006 - “Big Dry” 2007 - Brief rainfall in Southeast region 2008 - Drought continues

5. Geography Oceania - between Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Terrain Natural Resources Natural Hazards

6. Government Founded in the liberal democratic tradition One of the oldest continuous democracies Written Constitution Three separate chapters: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. Suffrage

7. Government States and territories responsibilities 6 states agreed to federation Fully independent parliamentary democracy Queen Elizabeth II, also queen of the United Kingdom

8. Economy Prior to the 1970’s... Trade attention turned towards the Asian Pacific region Fastest growing advanced economy in the world Characterized by an East to West Divide Concerns...

9. Economy Importance of China New Zealand Dynamic service sector and Industries Service industry - backbone of Australian economy

10. Religion Indigenous Australians Dreamtime The Rainbow Serpent Impact from European culture and Christianity Coming of the Light Festival Prominence of Churches Holidays...

11. Climate Southern Hemisphere - seasons occur at different times of the year... Extreme climate variations Rain fall Dry Climate Eucalyptus Leaves...major concern

12. Climate Winds Classified as semi-arid or arid Low plateau with a fertile plain Average temperatures...

19. References... http://www.australia.com/about/history.aspx http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/sys_gov.html http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/australia/australia- overview/australia-climate.html http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/australia/?page=full https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world- factbook/geos/as.html