Independence Year : 1901
Population : 18886000
Life Expectancy : 79.8
Capital : 135
GNP : 351182.00
GNP Old : 392911.00
Local Name : Australia
Government Form : Constitutional Monarchy, Federation
Location : Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean
Terrain : Varied, but generally low-lying
Climate : Relatively dry, ranging from temperate in the south to tropical in the north
Ethnic Group : European 92%, Asian 6%, Aboriginal 2%
Religions : Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 21%, other non-Christian 5%, no religion 15%
Official Website :
www.australia.gov.au/
|
|
General Information - Australia
Background
Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to an independent republic, was defeated in 1999.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)
|
