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The [[Commonwealth]] of Australia is part of [[Oceania]], and a largely [[secular]] nation. Of Australia's population of over 20 million approximately 1.5 million attend weekly religious services <ref>[http://www.ncls.org.au/default.aspx?docid=2250&track=82083| National Church Life Survey 2004]</ref>.  It is about 7,500 miles from the [[United States]]. The mainland of Australia is about the same size as the mainland 48 states of the USA.  The Australian continent is the smallest continent in the world, it is 2400 miles, (3,860 km) from east to west and 2,000 miles (3,220 km) from north to south. It covers an area of 2,967,877 sq miles (7,686,810 sq km). The Australian coastline is 22,812 miles long (36,735 kilometers).  The country of Australia is the only country to occupy an entire continent.

The [[Commonwealth]] of Australia is a [[country]]-[[continent]] with its west coast on the [[Indian Ocean]], east coast on the [[Pacific Ocean]] facing [[New Zealand]], southern coast on the [[Southern Ocean]] facing [[Antarctica]], and northern coast bordering [[Indonesia]] and [[Papua New Guinea]]. Australia is considered as part of [[Oceania]], but has been establishing its place in [[South East Asia]].  

Australia has six states and two internal territories.   The states are [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria]], [[Queensland]], [[Western Australia]], [[South Australia]] and [[Tasmania]]. The internal territories are the [[Northern Territory]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]] which is the location of Australia's capital city: [[Canberra]].

 

Australia has six states and two internal territories. The states are [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria]], [[Queensland]], [[Western Australia]], [[South Australia]] and [[Tasmania]]. The internal territories are the [[Northern Territory]] (responsible government since 1978) and the [[Australian Capital Territory]] (responsible government since 1988) which is the location of Australia's capital city, [[Canberra]].

== History==

== History==

=== Pre European Contact ===

=== Pre European Contact ===

Australia was originally inhabited by people who are commonly known as [[Aborigines]] although they come from a number of smaller nations each with their own national name.  Over time, many of these nations and tribes lost their identity or were decimated by disease, poor nutrition, massacres by white settlers and the forced removal of children from their parents into white families or mission stations.  Nevertheless, many Aboriginal languages and traditions have survived the more than 200 years of white settlement. Under recent legislation recognising native title, Aboriginal communities now have the right to claim back land dispossessed from them where they can prove that lasting cultural links still persist and where the native title has not been extinguished by freehold or leasehold title.

Australia was originally inhabited by people who are commonly known as [[Aborigines]] although they come from over 700 smaller nations each with their own tribal name and language.  Over time, many of these nations and tribes lost their identity or were decimated by disease, poor nutrition, massacres by white settlers and the forced removal of children from their parents into white families or mission stations.  Nevertheless, many Aboriginal languages and traditions have survived the more than 200 years of white settlement. Under recent legislation recognising native title, Aboriginal communities now have the right to claim back land dispossessed from them where they can prove that lasting cultural links still persist and where the native title has not been extinguished by freehold or leasehold title.

=== Post European Contact ===

=== Post European Contact ===

The mainland of Australia was found by [[Holland|Dutch]] sailors heading to the spice isles of what is now [[Indonesia]] in the 16th Century.  Most of their descriptions of Australia are based on the exploration of the North West coast which is very rugged and inhospitable.  In [[1770]] the [[England|English]] navigator, Lieutenant [[James Cook]],  Captain of the [[Royal Navy]] bark, [[HMS Endeavour]], discovered the east coast of Australia which is much more capable of maintaining life and settlers. In [[1788]] the [[First Fleet]] arrived at [[Sydney]] Cove, [[New South Wales]] - comprising of officers, Marines, convicts and a very few free settlers. Later fleets brought more convicts who, over time when freed, settled areas beyond [[Sydney Harbour]].

European discovery of the mainland of Australia was by [[Holland|Dutch]] sailors heading to the spice isles of what is now [[Indonesia]], in the 16th Century.  Most of their descriptions of Australia are based on the exploration of the North West coast which is very rugged and inhospitable.  

As the 18th century came to a close convicts were given land packages and more free settlers came to the land in the hope of setting up farms and businesses. A number of colonies started to be formed - the most populated being New South Wales (whose capital city is Sydney). These colonies later became the states.  

 

As the 18th century came to a close convicts were given land packages and more free settlers came to the land in the hope of setting up farms and businesses. A number of colonies started to be formed - the most populated being New South Wales (whose capital city is Sydney). These colonies later became the states.  

The 1850s saw the discovery of [[gold]] and large number of people moved to Australia to find new wealth.  Most of these people were British, although there were also many disposessed by the "land clearings" in [[Scotland]] and the [[Ireland|Irish]] [[potato]] [[famine]], and there was a significant number of [[China|Chinese]] immigrants during this rush. "Americans were drawn to Australia to participate in various enterprises such as the gold fields" <ref>[http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/textversion/usa.htm| Australian Dept of Immigration and Citizenship]</ref>

The 1850s saw the discovery of [[gold]] and large number of people moved to Australia to find new wealth.  Most of these people were British, although there were also many disposessed by the "land clearings" in [[Scotland]] and the [[Ireland|Irish]] [[potato]] [[famine]], and there was a significant number of [[China|Chinese]] immigrants during this rush. "Americans were drawn to Australia to participate in various enterprises such as the gold fields" <ref>[http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/textversion/usa.htm| Australian Dept of Immigration and Citizenship]</ref>

== System of Government ==

== System of Government ==

Australia became a federated country in 1901 with its parliament sitting in [[Melbourne]], Victoria, while the capital city of Canberra was being built.

Australia became a federated country on [[1 January]] [[1901]] under the [[Constitution of Australia]], and all former British colonies became states. The declaration of federation was made in Sydney. The parliament met in [[Melbourne]], Victoria, until the infrastructure was built for the capital city, [[Canberra]].  

Australia has a [[parliamentary system]] of government based on the British system with a [[bicameral]] system:  the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each state also has its own parliament.   

Australia has a [[Parliament|parliamentary system]] of government based on the British system with a [[bicameral]] system:  the [[Australian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] and the [[Australian Senate|Senate]]. Each state and territory also has its own parliament.   

Australia is a [[democracy]] which has allowed men of [[European]] descent to vote since federation, with women gaining the vote in the early 20th Century and Aboriginal men and women gaining suffrage in 1962.  Voting is compulsory for all citizens who are 18 years old and over (with a few exceptions.)

Australia is a [[democracy]] which has allowed men of [[European]] descent to vote since federation, with women gaining the vote in the early 20th Century and Aboriginal men and women gaining suffrage in 1962.  Voting is compulsory for all citizens who are 18 years old and over (with a few exceptions.)

Its Head of Government is called the [[Prime Minister]]; at the moment the Prime Minister is [[John Howard]], the leader of the Liberal Party. The Head of State is [[Queen Elizabeth II]], the Queen of Australia (who is the same person, but a different title, as the Queen of Great Britain), who acts through the [[Governor-General]].

Australia's Head of Government is the [[Prime Minister of Australia]]. The current Prime Minister is [[John Howard]], the leader of the [[Liberal Party of Australia]]. The Deputy Prime Minister is [[Mark Vaile]], the leader of the [[National Part of Australia]]. The two parties are in [[coalition]] to form the Government.

 

The Head of State is [[Queen Elizabeth II]], the Queen of Australia (who is the same person, but a different title, as the Queen of Great Britain.) Under the Constitution, and in practice, the authority of the Head of State is vested in the [[Governor-General of Australia]], currently the retired Major-General Sir Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC, who assents to acts of parliament, is the Commander in Chief of the military forces, and appoints all Ministers of the Government; all these various powers are normally exercised on advice from the Ministers.

 

The Government of Australia is exercised, day-to-day, by the Ministers through their various Departments of State.

Despite the name, the Liberal Party, which has been in power in Australia since 1996, is actually conservative, a paradox established since the years that Sir Robert Menzies was Prime Minister. Menzies helped found the Liberal Party in 1944 and was the Prime Minister from 1939 until 1941 and then again from 1949 until 1966. <ref>[http://www.liberals.net/liberalpartyhistory.htm History of the Liberal Party in Australia]</ref>  Unlike in the USA there is no limit on the time a person can lead the country&mdash;it is the people's choice.

Despite the name, the Liberal Party, which has been in power in Australia since 1996, is conservative in political stance, a paradox established since the years that Sir Robert Menzies was Prime Minister. Menzies helped found the Liberal Party in 1944 and was the Prime Minister from 1939 until 1941 and then again from 1949 until 1966. <ref>[http://www.liberals.net/liberalpartyhistory.htm History of the Liberal Party in Australia]</ref>  There is no limit on the time a person can lead the country&mdash;it is the people's choice.

Australia has [[preferential voting]], which is designed to ensure that the candidates with the most support get into office, rather than the candidate with the most primary votes.

Australia has [[preferential voting]], which is designed to ensure that the candidates with the most support get into office, rather than the candidate with the most primary votes. So if three candidates, A, B, and C, get 40%, 35%, and 25% of the votes respectively (so no candidate has more than 50% of the votes), then the second preference of the voters who voted for C are distributed to the remaining candidates. The result might be that A ends up with 45% of the votes, and B with 55%, indicating that 55% of the voters prefer candidate B over A.

So if three candidates, A, B, and C, get 40%, 35%, and 30% of the votes respectively (so no candidate has more than 50% of the votes), then the second preference of the voters who voted for C are distributed to the remaining candidates.

The result might be that A ends up with 45% of the votes, and B with 55%, indicating that 55% of the voters prefer candidate B over A.

One consequence of this voting system is that it encourages a multiplicity of parties and even independent candidates. There have been times when the balance of power has been held my minor parties or independent individuals.

One consequence of this voting system is that it encourages a multiplicity of parties and even independent candidates. There have been times when the balance of power has been held my minor parties or independent individuals.  

The Federal opposition political party, which most Americans would recognize as "liberal", is the Labor Party whose leader is Kevin Rudd. The Labor Party is in government in all of the states and territories as of March, 2007. The Labor Party are social democrats while the Liberals are liberal conservatives, but some of the smaller parties are more liberal or more conservative than Labor and Liberal respectively.

   

   

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== Geography ==

== Geography ==

Australia relies a great deal on industry, agriculture and tourism to foster its economy.  It has a thriving film industry and very advanced technology. Most tourists visit places such as Sydney Harbour, Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Central Australia and the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.  Other favorite destinations are the wine making areas of South Australia and northern Victoria, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the natural wonders of Tasmania and the huge outback expanses of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.  Some cattle stations in Australia rival Texas in size and the distance between towns in some areas is enormous.

Australia relies a great deal on industry, agriculture and tourism to foster its economy.  It has a thriving film industry and very advanced technology. Most tourists visit places such as Sydney Harbour, Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Central Australia and the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.  Other favorite destinations are the wine making areas of South Australia and northern Victoria, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the natural wonders of Tasmania and the huge outback expanses of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.  Some cattle stations in Australia rival [[Texas]] in size and the distance between towns in some areas is enormous.

80% of Australia's population, of just over 20,000,000 people, live on the coast line.  It is one of the world's most sparsely populated countries (2.7 people per square kilometre)<ref>[http://www.abs.gov.au ABS]</ref>.  Water is scarce and some cities have some form of water restrictions in place.

80% of Australia's population, of just over 20,000,000 people, live on the coast line.  It is one of the world's most sparsely populated countries (2.7 people per square kilometre)<ref>[http://www.abs.gov.au ABS]</ref>.  Water is scarce and some cities have some form of water restrictions in place.

Weather extremes are common in Australia with temperatures sometimes measured into the high 40s Celsius (45 degrees Celsius = 113 degrees Fahrenheit).  The city of Darwin was destroyed by Cyclone Tracey in 1974 and bush fires often ravage the southern states - one of the worst occurring on Ash Wednesday in 1983 when over 2000 homes were destroyed and over 70 people lost their lives in Victoria and South Australia.

Weather extremes are common in Australia with temperatures sometimes measured into the high 40s Celsius (45 degrees Celsius = 113 degrees Fahrenheit).  The city of Darwin was destroyed by Cyclone Tracey in 1974 and bush fires often ravage the southern states - one of the worst occurring on Ash Wednesday in 1983 when over 2,000 homes were destroyed and over 70 people lost their lives in Victoria and South Australia.

Australia is noted for its unique biodiversity. Many animals are found only in Australia, the most well known examples are the group of marsupials ([[kangaroos]], [[wombats]], [[wallabies]] and [[koalas]]), and the only two [[monotremes]], the [[platypus]] and the [[echidna]]. Examples of plants that are native to Australia are the [[banksia]], [[yellow wattle]] and [[gum tree]].   

Australia is noted for its unique biodiversity. Many animals are found only in Australia, the most well known examples are the group of marsupials ([[kangaroos]], [[wombats]], [[wallabies]] and [[koalas]]), and the only two [[monotremes]], the [[platypus]] and the [[echidna]]. Examples of plants that are native to Australia are the [[banksia]], [[yellow wattle]] and [[gum tree]].   

== Sport ==

== Sport ==

Australia is often known as a sporting nation with success worldwide in swimming, tennis, rugby league and rugby union, cricket, netball and even speed ice skating.  Australians are very keen horse racers with the Melbourne Cup <ref>[http://www.melbournecup.com.au| Melbourne Cup]</ref> attracting up to 120,000 spectators at Flemington Race Course.  There is even a public holiday for the cup race in Melbourne.

Australia is often known as a sporting nation with success worldwide in [[swimming]], [[tennis]], [[rugby league]] and [[rugby union]], [[cricket]], [[netball]], [[basketball], and even speed [[ice skating]].  Australians are very keen horse racers with the Melbourne Cup <ref>[http://www.melbournecup.com.au| Melbourne Cup]</ref> attracting up to 120,000 spectators at Flemington Race Course on the first Tuesday in November.  There is a public holiday for the cup race in Melbourne, and the day is effectively a half-day holiday in the remainder of Australia. This day also coincides (mostly) every second year with the [[American]] [[Congress|Congressional]] [[election]]s and every four years with the [[President|Presidential]] election.

 

 

Unique to Australia is a game known as [[Australian rules football]] or Aussie Rules which is played on a cricket oval in winter and draws huge crowds across Australia.

* [http://www.fed.gov.au Australian Government portal]

* [http://www.aph.gov.au Australian Parliament House (Reps & Senate) portal]

* [http://www.gg.gov.au Governor-General of Australia]

==References==

==References==