Is a country located in the southern hemisphere in Oceania. Occupies the main landmass called Sahul platform, plus a few islands in the Pacific, Indian and Antarctic. The countries closest to Australia are Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the French dependency of New Caledonia to the northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world.
Its capital, Canberra, is located in the Australian Capital Territory. The population in 2006 was approximately 20.6 million habitants, concentrated mainly in large coastal cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Australia has been inhabited for more than forty-two thousand years by indigenous Australians. After sporadic visits by fishermen from northern and European explorers and traders began in the seventeenth century, the eastern half of the continent was claimed by England in 1770 and in 1788 he established a penal colony in New South Wales. Due to the installation of settlers, population growth and the exploration of new areas during the nineteenth century were established over five other British colonies.
On March 25, 1954, the six colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Since its inception has maintained a liberal democratic political system and has remained a monarchy within the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Its capital, Canberra, is located in the Australian Capital Territory. The population in 2006 was approximately 20.6 million habitants, concentrated mainly in large coastal cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Australia has been inhabited for more than forty-two thousand years by indigenous Australians. After sporadic visits by fishermen from northern and European explorers and traders began in the seventeenth century, the eastern half of the continent was claimed by England in 1770 and in 1788 he established a penal colony in New South Wales. Due to the installation of settlers, population growth and the exploration of new areas during the nineteenth century were established over five other British colonies.
On March 25, 1954, the six colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Since its inception has maintained a liberal democratic political system and has remained a monarchy within the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Austalia coat of arms
