Commonwealth of Australia

Commonwealth of Australia

The Commonwealth of Australia is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the largest country in Oceania and the world's sixth-largest country by total area. The population of Australia is approximately 26 million, with the majority living in urban areas along the eastern and southeastern coasts.

History

Main article: History of Australia

The history of Australia dates back to the arrival of the first humans on the continent, estimated to have occurred around 65,000 years ago. These Indigenous Australians developed a rich cultural heritage and complex societies. European exploration began in the 17th century, and in 1788, the British established a penal colony in New South Wales.

Australia became a federation on 1 January 1901, when the six colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia. The country has since developed into a stable liberal democracy and a prosperous nation.

Government and Politics

Main article: Politics of Australia

Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the Monarch of Australia, currently Charles III, represented by the Governor-General of Australia. The head of government is the Prime Minister of Australia.

The Australian Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The political landscape is dominated by two major parties: the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal Party of Australia, often in coalition with the National Party of Australia.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Australia

Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to lush rainforests. The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, is located off the northeastern coast. The Outback covers much of the interior, characterized by its vast, remote, and arid environment.

Major cities include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. The capital city is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Australia

Australia has a highly developed market economy, characterized by a high GDP per capita and low poverty rate. The economy is driven by sectors such as mining, agriculture, and services. Australia is rich in natural resources, including coal, iron ore, gold, and natural gas.

The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the G20, the World Trade Organization, and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Australia

Australia is a multicultural society, with a significant proportion of the population being immigrants. English is the de facto national language, and the country has no official language. Indigenous Australians, comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, represent about 3.3% of the population.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Australia

Australian culture is influenced by its history as a British colony, its Indigenous heritage, and its multicultural population. The country is known for its contributions to the arts, including literature, film, and music. Sport is an integral part of Australian culture, with popular sports including Australian rules football, cricket, and rugby.

See also

• List of cities in Australia
• Australian cuisine
• Education in Australia

External links

• Official Australian Government website
• Tourism Australia