|
At a glance...
- Australia is the only country in the world that is also a continent.
- Most of the population is concentrated along the eastern seaboard and the south-eastern corner of the continent.
- It is the 6th largest country in the world after Russia, Canada, China, the US and Brazil.
- Australia has an area of 7, 659, 861 square kilometres.
- Due to its size, Australia enjoys great variation in landscape.
- Australia is one of the world’s most urbanised countries, with a population of over 19 million and about 70 per cent of the population living in the 10 largest cities.
- Australia's multicultural society includes its indigenous peoples and migrants from some 200 countries.
Economy
Australia has a very strong economy. It enjoys strong economic growth and a low rate of inflation. Australia is one of the most efficient agricultural producers in the world and is the world's largest producer of wool. It is also a major producer of wheat, meat, diary products, fruit and minerals. Australia is at the forefront of developments in science, technology and telecommunications. It is a world leader in fields such as scientific instrumentation, astronomy and solar engineering.
Exports
More than 55 per cent of Australia’s merchandise exports go to the Asia region. Seven of Australia's 12 largest export markets are in East Asia. East Asia accounts for 44 per cent of Australia’s imports. Exports to the ASEAN countries exceed those to either the EC or the Americas. Countries in the Asia region are the fastest growing source for Australia’s imports. Trade with the rest of the world is Australia’s economic lifeblood. In the year ended 2002, Australia’s two-way merchandise trade totalled US $162,058 million.
Workforce
Australia's workforce is relatively large and highly trained. Many senior managers and technical staff have international and Asian experience, while almost half of Australia's workforce has university, trade or diploma qualifications. Australia's strong science and innovation skills have produced significant numbers of science and technology professionals who are highly regarded internationally.
Regions and government
Australia consists of six states and two territories: New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Australian has federal, state and local levels of government.
Information sources
Australia – an overview, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australia in Brief |