Australia. After the European discovery of the continent by Dutch explorers in 1606, Australia's eastern half was claimed by Great Britain in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales from 26 January 1788.
The population grew steadily in subsequent decades; the continent was explored and an additional five self-governing crown colonies were established. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies federated, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. Since Federation, Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system that functions as a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy comprising six states and several territories. The population of 23.6 million[5] is highly urbanised and heavily concentrated in the eastern states and on the coast.[19] Etymology Pronounced [əˈstɹæɪljə, -liə] in Australian English,[22] the name Australia is derived from the Latin australis, meaning "southern". In the footnote Flinders wrote: History. Australian outback. Australia. Australia. More information about Australia is available on the Australia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
The United States established diplomatic relations with Australia in 1940, following the United Kingdom's recognition of Australia's domestic and external autonomy within the British Empire and the Government of Australia's formal adoption of the codification. U.S. relations with Australia are strong and close. The two share a traditional friendship, similarities in culture and historical background, democratic values, common interests, and similar views on most major international questions. Ties range from commercial, cultural, and environmental contacts to political and defense cooperation. Australian forces have fought beside the United States and other Allies in every significant conflict since World War I.
U.S. The United States provides no development assistance to Australia. Bilateral Economic Relations The U.S. Australia travel guide. Map of Australia and the External Territories.
Australia is world famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "the Outback". Understand[edit] Geography[edit] Australia is the sixth-largest country by land area. It is comparable in size to the 48 contiguous United States. Australia has an area of 7,682,300km² (2,966,152 square miles) and the distances between cities and towns are easy to underestimate.
Australia has large areas that have been deforested for agricultural purposes, but many native forest areas survive in extensive national parks and other undeveloped areas. Climate[edit] As a large island a wide variation of climates are found across Australia. As Australia is in the southern hemisphere the winter is June-August while December-February is summer. History[edit] Australia Travel Information and Travel Guide. Australia – the sixth-largest country on this lonely planet – is dazzlingly diverse: a sing-along medley of mountains, deserts, reefs, forests, beaches and multicultural melting-pot cities.
Arts & Culture No matter which city you're wheeling into, you'll never go wanting for an offbeat theatre production, a rockin' live band, lofty art-gallery opening, movie launch or music festival mosh-pit. This was once a country where 'cultural cringe' held sway – the notion that anything locally produced simply wasn't up to scratch. But these days the tables have turned (and, if anything, Australian pride is a tad over-inflated). Aboriginal arts – particularly painting and dance – seem immune to such fluctuations and remain timelessly captivating. Why I Love Australia By Charles Rawlings-Way & Meg Worby, Authors We've both been living on this great southern land for 30-something years, and there are still places here that we haven't explored. Food & Drink Hip Cities It's a Wide Open Road. Information About Australia.