Australia in a minute ...

Australia was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples or ‘aborigines’ for at least 60,000 years. Aboriginal culture is based on strong spiritual ties that link them inexorably to the ancient land – a gift from the creator of the Dreamtime. Europeans came to the country primarily from England in the 1700s as convicts, criminals and free settlers.

The nation has two land masses – mainland Australia and Tasmania – covering an area of 7,682,300 km. There are six states and two territories, and a population of about 20 million people. Australia is part of the Commonwealth, and the national anthem is ‘Advance Australia Fair’. The name ‘Australia’ is derived from ‘Terra australis incognita’ (the unknown southern land), and the country is also known as ‘the land down under’ and ‘the great southern land’.

Australia is one of the driest continents on earth. Because of its insular position and lack of natural features such as high mountain ranges, there are generally no great extremes of climate. The southern areas are more temperate, although subject to wide variations such as high rainfall, great heat, and irregular flooding and drought.

There are lots of beaut websites about Australia. Below are a few that will give you an insight into all Australia has to offer:

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