Australia is a land of contrasts: sweeping golden beaches,coral reefs rich with marine life, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, vast grazing lands and sparse desert. It is massive; in size , yet its population is just over twenty one million . Visitors expecting to see an opera in Sydney one night and meet Crocodile Dundee the next will have to re-think their grasp of geography.Australian culture is vibrant, multifaceted, lively and constantly evolving. They embrace the heritage of indigenous Australians, early European settlers, and those of the diverse range of migrants now making Australia their home. With people from over 140 countries making Australia their home and with some 200 languages between them, Australia is one of the world’s most multicultural countries.
Life and Culture
Australians are very friendly and helpful people, with a great sense of humor.An outdoor lifestyle and love of sports punctuates Australian life. The most popular watched sport in Australia is Australian Rules Football, with rugby, cricket, tennis, swimming, and of course surfing and yachting all popular participant and spectator sport.Australia has a large multicultural population. With such a mixture of people, you’ll find a rich cultural scene along with a number of literature, arts and crafts, music, theatre and dance festivals celebrating indigenous, colonial and other cultures.
Religion
Australia has no official state religion and people are free to practice any religion they want as long as they are not breaking the law. Australia is a predominantly Christian country, with around 64 per cent of all Australians identifying as Christians.
Climate
The climate of Australia varies widely, but by far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid – 40% of the landmass is covered by sand dunes. The south-east and south-west corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate, varied between tropical rainforests, grasslands, part desert. In Australia, snow can fall in the mountains of Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Tasmania.
Fast Fact
- Official Name: Commonwealth of Australia
- Area: 2,978,147 sq mi
- Population: 19,222,000
- Capital City: Canberra
- Currency: Australian dollar
- Major Cities: Sydney. Melbourne, Brisbane
- Language: English
- Religion: Christianity
- Major Exports: coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool and live sheep, alumina, wheat, machinery and transport equipment.