FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT AUSTRALIA

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

MULTICULTURAL POPULATION

The population of Australia is 19.4 million (DFAT, 2001). Just as the land is diverse, so too are the people. Nearly 25% of the population was born outside of Australia and have ethnic ties spanning over 140 countries.

This melting pot of cultures range from the indigenous groups, to early European settlement, particularly the UK and Ireland, to immigration from countries across the globe, including Italy, Greece, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka.

LANGUAGE

Although English is the official language of Australia, more than 2.4 million people speak another language at home.

GEOGRAPHY

Australia is the sixth largest continent in the world, yet it has the lowest population density, with only two people per square kilometre.

It is a land of contrasts, from harsh deserts to huge grazing lands, sweeping golden beaches and exotic coral reefs to mountain ranges, tropical rainforests to modern cities. It is world-renowned for its stunning landscapes.

Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia is home to an abundance of animals and plants, many of which are unique to the continent.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Australia is a stable democracy, with compulsory voting for those over 18 years of age ensuring a representative government. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of any democracy and Australians have no hesitation in expressing their views on political and controversial issues.

Commonwealth Government or Federal Government
Led by the Prime Minister of Australia, responsibilities at this level of government include nation-wide matters such as defence, trade, foreign affairs and telecommunications.

State Governments
This level of government is led by various State Premiers, and complements the activities of the Commonwealth Government, especially in the areas of education, social welfare and law enforcement.

Local Governments
This level of government is administered by locally-elected councillors. Responsible for municipal activities such as town planning, building regulations and waste disposal.

Common law is the basis of Australia's legal system. The Parliament is based on the Westminster system of government. Australia is a member of the Commonwealth. Elected by the people of Australia, the Commonwealth Government of Australia governs our nation as a constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is also the Queen of Australia. Formally, she is the head of state, represented in Australia by a Governor-General.