At a glance

Official Name:
Commonwealth of Australia

Capital: Canberra

Population: 21,005,000 (2007 est.)

Languages: English

Religion: Christian 68 percent, Buddhist 2 percent, Muslim1.5 percent

Life Expectancy:
Male: 79 Female: 84

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity):
$675 billion

National Holidays:
Australia Day (26th January)
ANZAC Day (25 April)

Industries: Mining, Industrial and Transportation Equipment, Food Processing, Chemicals, Steel.

Australia
Australia began as a British Penal Colony, which held several prisons all over the country. Over 160,000 men and women were shipped there until 1868. Australia was also a destination for many immigrants and gold seekers, as Australia had several gold rushes in the mid-1800s. Today Australia is still a Commonwealth of England, but since Australia signed a new constitution it does not have any power in the government. Australia has a parliament populated by representatives from six different states. It ranks third on the World Health Organization (WHO) Human Development Index and welcomes people from all countries.

Australia’s economy flourished after World War II. It does not have a large export market, but its exports are expensive and demand for these goods is continually increasing. Increasing tourism also plays an important part in the economy. Australia is a stable country with a very good quality of life.