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#AUSTRALIA

Australian coat of arms on top of Parliament House.

#Australia

Australia is an island, and also the sixth largest country in the world, and the smallest continent in the world.

Did you know that Australia is one of the youngest countries on earth? Despite its relative newness, it has made great strides in catching up to other developed nations, often surpassing them.

But Australia is more than just a young country. It is also home to stunning coastal beaches, making it a haven for beach lovers. Today, over 70% of Australians reside in cities or towns, with a majority of this population clustered along the eastern and southern coasts, as well as around Perth in the west.

However, Australia's breathtaking landscape extends far beyond its bustling urban centers. The famous "Outback" dominates much of the country's interior, consisting of remote and harsh lands that are too hot, dry, and barren to support a large population. To the east, expanses of grasslands stretch out, providing the perfect environment for sheep and cattle ranches.

From its rapid development to its picturesque coastlines and iconic Outback, Australia offers a captivating blend of modernity and natural beauty. What more could one ask for in a country?

Lake Hume on the Upper Murray
Lake Hume on the Upper Murray
Whitehaven Beach in Queensland
Whitehaven Beach in Queensland

Discover the majestic landscapes of Australia, with its breathtaking mountains and sprawling plateaus. In the southeast, the Blue Mountains charm visitors with their ethereal blue haze, a result of the eucalyptus trees' oil droplets. Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 1,900 kilometers off the northeast coast, as it thrives and evolves into the largest living structure on the planet.

While English is the official language, Australian English has a unique charm all its own, both in its spoken and written form. Once home to 200 to 300 indigenous Australian languages, only about 70 remain today, with most of them at risk of disappearing. Additionally, Australia has its own sign language, Auslan, which serves as the primary means of communication for around 6,500 deaf individuals.

Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne
The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne was the first building in Australia to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004

Get this: school is a must in Australia from ages 6 to 15 (or 16 in South Australia and Tasmania). They really mean business about education, with an adult literacy rate around 99%. But that's not all - Australia has 38 universities thanks to government grants, and even some private ones too. They also have vocational training colleges called TAFE Institutes and apprenticeships for tradespeople. And get this, almost 60% of Aussies between 25 and 64 have some sort of higher education or vocational qualification. Education is a big deal down under!

Most of the estimated 20.4 million Australians are descended from 19th and 20th century immigrants, with the majority originating from Britain and Ireland.

The Australia Act 1986: A Quiet Revolution
The Australia Act 1986: A Quiet Revolution

A vivid explainer of the Australia Act 1986. How a quiet legal shift severed Britain's final ties and affirmed Australia's full constitutional independence. Discover the Act that completed the nation's journey to sovereignty.

Bare Feet or Thongs
Bare Feet or Thongs

If you have visited Australia or observed Australian people, then you might have noticed that many of them walk around barefoot or in thongs.

The Legal Status of Drugs in Australia
The Legal Status of Drugs in Australia

Many countries have legalised or decriminalised marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes. But is it legal in Australia?

Australian Christmas Tree - [nuytsia floribunda]
Celebrating Christmas the Aussie Way

Discover how Aussies celebrate the festive season under the summer sun!

Kangaroo Fights: Observing Safely & Understanding
Kangaroo Fights: Observing Safely & Understanding

Male kangaroos (or “boomers”) fight to establish dominance, settle territorial disputes, or earn mating rights—and these bouts can get a little intense!

The history of same-sex marriage in Australia
The history of same-sex marriage in Australia

From early activism to the nationwide campaign that ultimately led to legalization, we explore the journey of love and equality for same-sex couples.

Ghostly Legends of Luna Park Melbourne
Ghostly Legends of Luna Park Melbourne

Luna Park, Melbourne's iconic amusement park, is a place of laughter and fun. But did you know that it also has a darker side?

How to Avoid Collisions with Wildlife While Driving in Australia
How to Avoid Collisions with Wildlife While Driving in Australia

Tips on how you can avoid collisions with wildlife while driving in Australia

Why do cars in Australia have right hand drive?
Why do cars in Australia have
right hand drive?

Discover the history behind why Australia drives on the left-hand side of the road and uses right-hand drive cars.

Australian Weather Conditions
Australian Weather Conditions

Australia has tropical conditions in the north, dry desert in the centre and conditions ranging from dry to heavy rain and snow in the south.

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