Australia is a stable, democratic society with a skilled workforce and a strong, competitive economy. With a population of over 20 million, Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and is the sixth-largest country in the world in land area. Australia' s multicultural society includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and migrants from some 200 countries.

Australian exports are a mix of traditional commodities, services and advanced manufacturing. The economy is open and innovative, with a commitment from the Australian Government to maintain economic growth in a competitive environment. Over the past decade, strong growth has been accompanied by low inflation and interest rates, and solid productivity.

The Australian Government is firmly committed to supporting Australian innovation and excellence through an ongoing action plan called 'Backing Australia's Ability¡ªBuilding our Future through Science and Innovation'.

In a global economy, language skills are a great advantage for the national workforce. Although English is the official language in Australia, more than 4.1 million Australians speak a second language. As a result, Australia offers the familiarity of a Western business culture with a workforce capable of operating in both Asian and Western business environments. In fact, Australia has a greater range of Asian language skills than any other country in Asia or the Pacific. More than 840 companies have established their regional headquarters in Australia.

The language skills and other capabilities that attract foreign companies are, in part, a result of Australia's diverse multicultural society. In almost 60 years of planned post-war migration, Australia has welcomed over 6 million migrants, including more than 600 000 refugees. Over this time, the population has increased from about 7 million to 20 million.

Australia's spectacular natural environment, rich Indigenous history and culture, multicultural communities, and vibrant food and wine sector make it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. More than 5 million people visit Australia every year, making the tourism industry the largest contributor to Australian services export earnings.

A great number of Australia's native plants, animals and birds exist nowhere else in the world. Australia is committed to conserving its unique environment and natural heritage and has a range of protection procedures in place, including World Heritage listings and many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Did you know?

The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook for 2004 ranked Australia the fourth most competitive economy in the world, up from seventh place in 2003 and 10th place in 2002.

Australia is one of the world's oldest landmasses and has been populated for an estimated 60 000 years. Before the arrival of European settlers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples inhabited most areas of the continent. Australia's contemporary history is relatively short, with the first European settlement established by England on 26 January 1788.

The quality of life enjoyed by people in Australia is one of the highest in the world. Australia's clean physical environment, health services, education and lifestyle combine to make it an attractive place to live. Australia's ancient Indigenous traditions and multiculturalism are reflected in the diverse cultures and forms of artistic talent present in the country.

Australia has a well-developed education system with participation rates among the highest in the world. On average, Australians spend more years in primary and secondary school than their counterparts in many other countries, including Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom. Each year Australia welcomes an increasing number of international students; current figures rate Australia third among English-speaking countries as a destination for these students.

Australia is a robust democracy that pioneered the secret ballot and the vote for women. Australia´ s system of government reflects the British and North American models of liberal democracy, but has uniquely Australian features.

Australian emergency, humanitarian and refugee programs aim to alleviate the impacts of conflict, natural and other disasters on vulnerable populations. To ensure effective response, Australia works in cooperation with international and domestic partners.

Australia works with other countries to promote security in the Asia Pacific region. A strong and capable defence force is fundamental to Australia's security, and the Government is committed to maintaining a solid defence funding base. The focus of the Australian Defence Force, while concerned with overall global security, is centred mainly on the Asia Pacific region.

Did you know?

A 2004 report from the Economist Intelligence Unit rates Melbourne (along with Vancouver and Vienna) the best city in the world to call home. Other Australian cities featured in the list of the world's top 10 most livable cities were Perth, ranked fourth, and Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, ranked sixth. The survey ranks 130 cities against factors such as health and safety, infrastructure, culture and environment.



Flag



The Australian flag was raised for the first time in Melbourne on 3 September 1901, following a design competition that drew 32 823 entries. The stars of the Southern Cross represent Australia's geographic position in the Southern Hemisphere, and the large Commonwealth star symbolises the federation of states and territories.

National colours
Green and gold have been Australia's national colours since 19 April 1984.

National day
Australia Day is celebrated every year on 26 January. This date commemorates the anniversary of the unfurling of the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788.

National anthem
'Advance Australia Fair' has been Australia's official national anthem since 19 April 1984.

Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We´ ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history´ s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

Listen to the National Anthem [Real player required]
Coat of arms



The Australian coat of arms was granted by King George V in 1912. It consists of a shield containing the badges of the six Australian states, symbolising federation. The national symbols of the golden wattle, the kangaroo and the emu are also included. By popular tradition the kangaroo is accepted as the national animal emblem. The golden wattle, Acacia pycnantha Benth, was proclaimed the national floral emblem in August 1988.

Online
Parliament of Australia
Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Australian Government information and services
Fast facts about Australia
Capital
Canberra

Surface area
7.74 million square kilometres

Population
20.2 million

Language:
English

Currency:
Australian dollars (A$)

Gross Domestic Product:
$835 billion (US$603 billion)

Workforce:
Almost 10 million

Inflation rate:
2.4 per cent

Exports:
143 billion (2003-04)

Australia´ s main export destinations:
Japan, China, United States, South Korea, New Zealand

Australia´ s main import sources:
United States, Japan, China, Germany, United Kingdom

National colours:
Green and gold

National Day:
Australia Day-26 January

Time:
Australia has three time zones:
East: GMT + 10
Central: GMT + 9.5
West: GMT + 8

Flight time Sydney-Perth (East to West):
5 hours

Flight time Adelaide-Darwin (north to south):
3 hours 40 minutes

Households with internet access::
37 per cent

Registered motor vehicles
12.46 million

People with mobile phones:
12.7 million

Households with Internet access:
37 per cent

Overseas visitors (12 months to August 2004):
5.2 million

Highest point:
2228 metres above sea level (Mount Kosciuszko, New South Wales)

Lowest point:
15 metres below sea level (dry bed of Lake Eyre, South Australia)


Last update May 2005

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