Australia is a land of scenic contrasts: golden beaches, coral reefs rich with aquatic life, tropical rainforests, snowy mountains, open pasture fields and sparse deserts.

One of the oldest continents, Australiais the sixth largest country in area after Russia, Canada, China, the United States and Brazil. Australia is as wide as the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei and as long as the distance from Singapore to Manila. It is the only country to occupy an entire continent.

 Situated between, and isolated by, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia has many animals and plants which are unique to the planet. The surface geology is typically old and flat.

Weather

Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics and the rest is in the temperate zone. The highlands and tablelands of Tasmania and the south eastern corner of the mainland are the coldest areas. Average yearly temperature varies from 27oC at Cape York in the far north to 13oC in the far southern areas of Tasmania. Summer is from December to February; autumn from March to May; winter from June to August; and spring from September to November.
 

Settlement

Sites showing human occupation have accepted dates of 40 000 years. Recent work in north west Australia identified rock art that may be 175 000 years old.

 European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. On 26 January 1788 the first fleet reached Port Jackson and established a settlement in what is now Sydney.

 Settlements were established in: Hobart, Tasmania (1803); Brisbane, Queensland (1824); Perth, Western Australia (1829); Melbourne, Victoria (1835); and Adelaide, South Australia (1836). The Colonies federated in 1901.

Multiculturalism

The British influence going back to Australia's colonial origins has given way to multiculturalism. Almost a quarter of today's 18 million Australians were born in another country. About 2 per cent are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. More than 100 different ethnic groups are represented in Australia, enriching the culture and making Australia one of the most ethnically diversified countries in the world. For example, Melbourne is the second largest Greek city in the world; Athens is the largest. The main source for immigrants to Australia is now Hong Kong.

Language

English is the official language. However, a recent government survey in South Australia revealed that SA's university students speak a total of more than 85 languages. Almost a quarter of them were born overseas, and one in five uses a language other than English at home.

Government and politics

Australia has six States: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania - and two mainland Territories - the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

 Elected by the people of Australia, the Commonwealth Government governs Australia, although, as a constitutional monarchy, HM The Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is the formal head of state. The Queen is represented in Australia by a governor-general. The Parliament is based on the Westminster system. Common law is the basis of Australia's legal system.

 There are three levels of government: the Commonwealth Government led by the Prime Minister, the State Governments led by Premiers and local governments run by councillors.

 Australia is a democracy and debate is a component of the Australian political process. People debate politics and controversial issues without fear of reprisal. For instance, when fees for international students were introduced Australian students protested. They were concerned that Australian students may have to pay full fees. They were not protesting against the arrival of international students.

Religion

Australia is a Christian country however all religions are represented in the community. Devotees will find churches, mosques, temples and synagogues located in most major cities. While Australians are not strongly attached to religious belief or observance they are tolerant of other people's religious beliefs.

Attitude

Australians' attitudes are less formal that most other countries particularly in the Asia Pacific region. International students may find this off putting initially. For students accustomed to a ritualistic society with clearly identified levels of status and authority they find they need a little time to adjust to Australia's less structured culture.

Culture

Apart from its natural assets like the Great Barrier Reef, Australia also is rich in the arts. There are eight professional orchestras and a national opera company. Within Australia there are more than 1000 museums preserving and displaying Australia's diverse cultural heritage. Australians enjoy concerts, theatre and art exhibitions.

 Australian films are winning international acclaim. Australian authors have received international recognition particularly with the Booker prize, won twice by Australians.

Sports
and recreation

Australians are very keen on sport and outdoor activities. Australia has more than 120 national sporting organisations and thousands of state, regional and club bodies. It is estimated that
6.5 million people, about a third of the population, are registered sports participants. While there are over 120 sporting organisations, Australians also take part in bushwalking, fishing, boating and water sports.

 Australia has a world wide reputation for sports and outdoor activities. This is endorsed by the Olympic Committee's selection of Sydney to host the Olympic Games in the year 2000.

Science and technology

Australia's contribution to scientific and technological developments is significant. Australian scientists have led the way in major scientific research from medicine to computer technology.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's main scientific research body. It assists Australia's rural, manufacturing, communications, minerals and energy and construction industries. Other major government scientific research bodies include the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

Nobel prize winners

For many years, Australia has received worldwide recognition for its expertise in the fields of science, mathematics and the arts. Australia has produced seven Nobel Laureates:

• Sir William Bragg, physics, x-ray crystallography;

 
• Lord Walter Florey, medicine, penicillin;

 
• Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, medicine, immunology;

 
• Sir John Eccles, medicine, brain physiology;

 
• Patrick White, literature;

 
• Sir John Cornforth, chemistry, enzyme catalysed reactions; and

 
• Peter Doherty, medicine, cell mediated immune defence.