Country Guide • Australia
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometre. Australia boasts over 7,000 beaches - more than any other nation in the world!
| Official Name | Commonwealth of Australia |
|---|---|
| Area | 7,686,850km² (2,967,893mile²) |
| Population | 19,731,000 |
| Continent | Oceania |
| Population per mile² | 7 |
| Capital City | Canberra |
| Religions | Protestant 52%, Roman Catholic 26%, Greek Orthodox 3% |
| Language | English, although Aboriginal and other numerous ethnic immigrant languages are also spoken |
| Government | Independent member of the British Commonwealth |
| Currency | Australian Dollar |
| GDP | $528 billion |
| GDP per Head | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources | Bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum |
| Land Use | Arable Land 7% |
| Agriculture | Wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry |
| Industry | Minerals, oil, coal, gold, wool, cereals, meat, tourism |
| Tourism | Quite honestly it is good to be in Australia at any time of the year. Beaches, outback you name it. From the cosmopolitan city of Sydney, with the Opera House and harbour bridge, Melbourne with its architecture, shopping, and entertainment, the amazing sight of Ayers Rock to the beautiful Hamilton Island in the heart of the Whitsunday's |
| Natural Hazards | Cyclones along the coast; severe droughts and forest fires |
| Health Risks | Sunburn, heat exhaustion, drowning |
| Climate | Generally the weather in Australia is characterised by warm weather, little rain, clear skies and sunshine. Even the winters here are of moderate temperatures. Australia can experience hurricanes and cyclones on both coasts mainly on the northeast and northwest while droughts are also common. Average temperature ranges in Sydney are from 8 to 16°C in July to 18 to 26°C in January |
| Time | There are three time zones: Eastern Standard Time is UTC +10; Central Time is UTC +9.5; and Western Time UTC +8 |
| National Days | January 26 |
| Visas | Every nationality except New Zealanders need visas. Tourist visas and Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas are valid for three months. ETAs are just under US$11; standard visas cost US$35. Longer-term visas can be applied for |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.
