A little over 200 years back, aboriginal people sparsely populated Australia

A little over 200 years back, aboriginal people sparsely populated Australia. Located ideally between the Indian and Pacific Ocean, Australia is the only continent to be occupied by a single country. Its contemporary history is relatively short, with ships arriving from Great Britain on 26 January 1788, carrying loads of convicts. Today Australia has received nearly seven million migrants. Immigrants entering Australia have brought with them a whole pool of talent and wealth. Australia is a member of the Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD) where government net debt doesn抰 exist.

Australia was also the second country, which gave women the right to vote. There are more women in Australia than men, except in the Northern Territory. Life expectancy of a woman is greater at 80 years where as for men it is 75 years. With a well-developed education system in place, it is the third among English speaking countries to welcome international students from around the world. It is also one of the most sought after countries to immigrate to, with an exceptional lifestyle, clean air, first class health services, and well-grounded education system.

Nearly one third of Australia抯 land mass is considered arid and dessert. Yet it has one of the biggest industrialized economies in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia抯 most prized national treasures. Most of its population lives in urban areas and it is one of the richest nations today. Mount Kosciuszko is considered the highest mountain standing at 2,229 metres. Western Australia is the largest state, while Tasmania is the smallest. One of the driest places is Lake Eyre. Shearing sheep is considered the main cash crop, along with farming, mining and ranching.

Australia is also well noted for its wildlife. It has unrivalled flora and fauna, most of which can be found nowhere else in the world. Due to its unique biodiversity, Australia has committed itself to protecting its natural heritage by having many national parks as well as bird and wildlife sanctuaries. Australia is said to have more than 755 species of reptiles, more than any country in the world today. Among Australia抯 well-known animals are the kangaroo, duck-billed platypus, the koala, the wombat, and the saltwater and freshwater crocodiles not to mention snakes. Australia is known to have the largest gathering of venomous snakes in one country.