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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.

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?

Ghostly Tales of Fremantle Prison
Ghostly Tales of Fremantle Prison

For over 100 years Fremantle Prison has been home to stories of strange and unexplained occurrences.

How Global Conflicts Ripple into Australia
How Global Conflicts Ripple into Australia

From Gaza to Ukraine, global tensions are rising. How these conflicts affect Australia's economy, security & social landscape.

Australia's Record Heatwaves
Australia's Record Heatwaves

Explore the impacts of Australia's record heatwaves, with insights from BOM and CSIRO predictions, and tips for climate-conscious travellers.

How Aussie Animals Forecast the Weather
How Aussie Animals Forecast the Weather

Discover how kookaburras, black cockatoos and ants forecast Aussie weather. Explore lore meets science, spot the signs and plan your day.

7 External Territories
7 External Territories

Did you know that Australia has seven external territories scattered across the South Pacific and Indian Oceans?

Haunted - Luna Park (Sydney)
Haunted - Luna Park (Sydney)

If you're looking for a spooky adventure, then look no further than Luna Park Sydney.

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 Larrimah Hotel
Missing: Paddy Moriarty

In a remote outback of Australia, 10 residents share a unique bond and search for the answers to the mystery of missing Paddy Moriarty.

Haunted Houses of Australia
Haunted Houses of Australia

If you’re looking for a thrill and some spine-tingling experiences, consider visiting one of the many haunted houses in Australia.

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