Australia is a unique and diverse country in every way - in climate, culture, population, geography, and history. In February 2010, Australia's population was about 22 million. The most populous states are New South Wales and Victoria, with their respective capitals, Sydney and Melbourne, the largest cities in Australia. The capitals of Queensland (Brisbane), Western Australia (Perth) and South Australia (Adelaide) also have over 1 million people. Canberra is the nation's Capital.
Learn more about Australia.
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History
Indigenous Australians were thought to have arrived by boat from South East Asia during the last Ice Age, at least 50,000 years ago. At the time of European discovery and settlement, up to one million Indigenous Australians lived across the continent as hunters and gatherers. They were scattered in around 300 clans and spoke 250 languages and 700 dialects. Each clan had a spiritual connection with a specific piece of land. However, they also travelled widely to trade, find water and seasonal produce and for ritual and totemic gatherings.
Learn more about Australia's history.
Geography
Australia is the smallest of the world's continents. It is also the lowest, the flattest and (apart from Antarctica) the driest. The highest point on the Australian mainland is Mount Kosciuszko, New South Wales, at 2228 metres above sea level. The lowest point is the dry bed of Lake Eyre, South Australia, which is 15 metres below sea level.
Australia shares three of the world's five oceans: the Pacific, Southern and Indian oceans. Australia's marine environment is home to 4000 fish species, 1700 coral species, 50 types of marine mammals and a wide range of seabirds. About 80 per cent of marine species found in southern Australian waters occur nowhere else in the world.
Learn more about Australia's environment and Australia's geosciences basics.
Government and Politics
Australia's system of government is founded in the liberal democratic tradition. Based on the values of religious tolerance, freedom of speech and association, and the rule of law, Australia's institutions and practices of government reflect British and North American models. At the same time, they are uniquely Australian.
One of the oldest continuous democracies in the world, the Commonwealth of Australia was created in 1901 when the former British colonies-now the six states-agreed to federate. The democratic practices and principles that shaped the pre-federation colonial parliaments (such as 'one man, one vote' and women's suffrage) were adopted by Australia's first federal government.
People
Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse societies in the world today.
Around one in four Australian residents were born outside of Australia and many more are first or second generation Australians, the children and grandchildren of recently arrived migrants and refugees.
This wide variety of backgrounds, together with the culture of Indigenous Australians who have lived on the Australian continent for more than 50,000 years, have helped create a uniquely Australian identity and spirit.
Learn more about Australian People, Australian Society and Australian Culture.
Learn more about Australian Indigenous cultural heritage.
Economy
Australia's economy is open and innovative, with a commitment from the Australian Government to maintain strong economic growth. As one of the world's twenty largest economies, Australia is a member of the Group of Twenty (G20), the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
Learn more about Australia's Imports and Exports and Australia in the G20.
Transportation & Communication
Australia's road network totals 815,000 kilometres and railways about 42,000 kilometres across the continent. Australian media have a robust tradition of free expression and vigorous analysis of public policy.
Learn more about Land Transport in Australia, Australian Transport statistics, and Media and Communication in Australia.
Find a list of Australian Transport Government websites, and Australian IT and Communications Government websites.
Social and Health
Australia's health system is widely recognised as world class. A universal public health system called Medicare ensures that all Australian permanent residents have access to a broad range of quality health services that are either free at the point of care or subject to substantial government rebates. A private health sector complements this public system.
Learn more about Australia's health system.
Learn more on Australian social indicators and trends and Australia's social customs.
Australian media
Australia Network - Australia's International TV Channel
www.dfat.gov.au
Photos and Videos about Australia
Australian places on the World Heritage List
Learn more about Australian places on the World Heritage List
Major Australian Tourism websites
These websites also provide a complete list of Australian tourism websites and Australian Tourism industry contacts.
Planning your visit
Visit the australia.gov.au website to find out about Australia's currency, social customs, climate and weather, exchange rates, maps, public holidays, and school term dates, Australia's time zones, telephone country and area codes.
Australian Visa requirements for visitors
Find out about the types of visas available for people to visit Australia as a touristor use the Visa Wizard.
Australian customs formalities for visitors
Learn more about customs procedures when entering, or exiting, Australia.
Australian visitor visa statistics
Statistics on the number of visitor visas granted for entry into Australia
Student Visa Requirements
To be granted a student visa you must satisfy the visa requirements and comply with a number of visa conditions for attendance and academic performance which come into effect after you have entered Australia. Your student visa will list the conditions that specifically apply. It is important to comply with the visa conditions to avoid visa cancellation.
For more detailed, accurate and up-to-date information on student visas and visa requirements please check with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Learn more about Australia's Student Visa Requirements.
Important tourist information about Australia
Find out about important tourist information in Australia.
Transport
Start planning your holiday in Australia.
Australian Trade Agreements
Learn about existing Australian trade agreements, and those under negotiation.
Bilateral Business Councils with IOR-ARC countries/regions
Australia Africa Business Council Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce Gulf Australia Business Council Australia India Business Council Australia Indonesia Business Council Australia Malaysia Business Council Australia Thailand Business Council
Australian State and Territories Business Information
· Australian Capital Territory
· ACT Business Gateway
· New South Wales
· New South Wales Business Gateway
· Northern Territory
· Queensland
· Queensland Business Gateway
· South Australia
· South Australian Business Gateway
· Tasmania
· Tasmania Business Gateway
· Victoria
· Victorian Business Gateway
· Western Australia
Customs Duties and Tariffs / Import and Export procedures in Australia
Learn about Australia's customs procedures and how to export to Australia.
Find out more about Quarantine and Inspection information and Australian importing regulations.
Australian import conditions database
Trade, business and consumer legislations in Australia
Business in Australia
Australia offers a wealth of opportunity for businesses to succeed. Australia provides a stable and efficient regulatory environment, a highly skilled and multi-lingual workforce and a culture of innovation. Our unparalleled economic record, world-class industry capabilities and unique cultural and geographic advantages in the world's fastest growing region all form part of Australia's impressive reputation.
Doing Business with Australia and Investing in Australia
Learn how to do business with Australian businesses.
Learn how to invest in Australia.
Visit these other websites for doing business with Australia.
Peak Australian Industry Organisations
Major Australian companies
Learn more about the companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and view Australia's top 100 companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Top Hundred Companies of Australia http://www.asx100.com
Diversity and quality underpin Australia's education services, which cater for students from many backgrounds. Australian schools, universities and colleges have a strong commitment to equity, high academic standards and continuous improvement, with a focus on excellence in teaching, research and student support.
Australia has an internationally recognised tradition of quality and excellence in teaching and education. Over the last three decades Australia has developed into one of the world's leading international study destinations with highly regarded schools, vocational education and training and higher education institutions.
Australia is one of the world's most popular destinations for international tertiary students. Australia also has the most internationalised tertiary sectors worldwide, with international students making up more than 20 per cent of enrolments.
The Australian Government continues to implement world best practice programs and policy initiatives to ensure that overseas students receive the quality education and training experience they expect.
Learn more about Australia's education system.
Study in Australia information portal
Australian education information: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs
Australian Qualifications Framework
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
SkillsAustralia
Australian States and Territories education information:
Australian Capital Territory Government Department of Education and Training
New South Wales Government Department of Education and Training
Northern Territory Government Department of Education and Training Queensland Government Department of Education and Training South Australian Government Department of Education and Children's Services
Tasmanian Government Department of Education
Victorian Government Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
West Australian Government Department of Education
View the complete list of Australian Government websites for international students.
Student Exchange Programs and Scholarships The Australia Awards aim to promote knowledge, education links and enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours through Australia's extensive scholarship programs. The Australia Awards are comprised of two streams: an achievement stream that targets the best and brightest students, researchers and professionals to come to Australia and for Australians to do the same offshore; and a development stream that builds capacity in developing countries.
Students in Australia
Find information on number of international student visas in Australia.
Find information on number of international student enrolments in Australia
Why study in Australia
In Australia, you have the freedom to choose a path that suits your particular goals. There are thousands of courses on offer. The Australian education system has a strong international reputation and is known for its effective structure and innovative policy developments. Many other countries, eager to improve their own education systems, turn to Australia for advice. Further Information to Study in Australia Australian Education International Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
Study opportunities in Australia
This Study Wizard is the best way to get essential information about study in Australia. The wizard will lead you through all the steps; search for courses and institutions; and you can get a checklist and information kit.
Six simple steps to study in Australia
Learn more about study options in Australia:
Universities Vocational Education and Training Schools English courses
Universities in Australia
Australian universities are linked to institutions in more than 100 countries and academic staff members are recruited from abroad. After graduating in Australia, you will be able to work in companies around the world.
An Australian university will provide you with a sound understanding of your chosen field, along with academic skills that can be applied to other areas. You won't just be learning about health, science, engineering or the arts. You'll also be learning how to think creatively and independently. Going to Uni in Australia Group of Eight Australian Universities Universities Australia
Learn more about higher education in Australia
International Student health facilities
International students must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance as part of the student visa conditions. Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) that must be maintained during the entire time on a student visa in Australia. The OSHC will help pay for any medical or hospital care required in Australia, and will contribute towards the cost of most prescription medicines, and an ambulance in an emergency.
Learn more about the OSHC.
Distance Education
If you want to study with an Australian institution but can't leave home for all or part of your course, distance education could be the perfect solution for you. Distance education programs allow you to obtain a qualification from an Australian institution in your home country, or to combine study at home with study in Australia. Australia leads the world in the delivery of distance education programs. Institutions use leading technologies and innovative approaches to deliver programs that can be tailored to meet your needs.
Distance Education and Online Courses - Open Universities Australia Distance Education - Study in Australia
Other websites provide a full list of the Australian Trade Commission's International Trade Shows and Events and a list of trade shows and events for businesses in Australia.