World Country Guide

World Country Guide

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AUSTRALIA

Australia is bounded by the Arafura and Timor Seas to the north, the Coral and Tasman Seas (in the South Pacific) to the east, the Southern Ocean to the south and the Indian Ocean to the west. The coastline has a length of 36,738 km. The majority of the population lives in coastal areas of east and southeast. Most of the Australian landscape is formed mainly by plains dotted with lakes and rivers crossed by mountain ranges along with some located on the coast. In the far northeast (Cape York Peninsula) are tropical forests. Southeastern Australia is a huge fertile plain. Although the country is generally quite dry, there are areas the size of Switzerland snowfall.

Constitutional monarchy. Gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1901. Australia a member of the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth II of England, represented by Governor General Michael Jeffery (2003). Head of Government: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (since 2007). All States and Territories have legislative, executive and judicial powers are independent although some exclusive Federal Government.

The official language is English. Minorities living in Australia speak aboriginal languages, Italian, German, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.

26% of the population is Roman Catholic, 24% Protestant. There are other minority religions.

In Australia, the atmosphere is very relaxed and informal. The handshake is the most common greeting. Informal clothing is used almost everywhere, except in the very exclusive restaurants, social events or business meetings.