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Facts about Australia – interest, culture, and history

facts about Australia
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Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world in terms of landmass. The name Australia comes from the Latin, ‘Terra Australia Incognito’, which means the Unknown Southern Land. The entire country of Australia includes the Australian continent. And numerous islands off the coast of the continent including Tasmania. Countries that surround Australia include Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor to the north. And New Zealand to the south.

facts about Australia

The country is home to approximately 23 million people. With 4.6 million of them living in the largest city of Sydney. The country uses the Australian dollar as its currency and has a very flourishing economy.

Australia doesn’t have an official language. However, English is primarily spoken throughout most of the country. The country also does not have an official religion. But the majority of Australians identify themselves as Christians. Australia is the only continent-nation in the world. It means, it is a continent and an independent country as well. It is also the smallest, flattest, and driest inhabited continent in the world. The Australian flag is comprised of three main colors. Its background is dark blue. And it contains five stars from the Southern Cross and a Commonwealth Star.

Here are some interesting, cultural, and historic facts about Australia

Interesting facts about Australia:

  1. In the area (land wise) Australia is 32 times greater than that of the U.K. Almost twice that of Europe, and almost equal to that of the United States of America.
  2. Australia has the lowest population density in the world. It’s two people per square kilometer.
  3. Australia has a very low poverty rate and a high standard of living.
  4. Australia’s total nominal GDP is 1.542 trillion dollars. Making it the 12th largest in the world. Its nominal per capita GDP is $65,642 which is the fifth-largest in the world.
  5. The main exports of Australia include iron ore, gold, natural gas, and coal. They export most of their products to Japan, China, South Korea, New Zealand, and the United States.
  6. The real estate market in Australia is booming. However they have some of the highest house prices in the world. Australians have very high household debt levels.
  7. The world’s longest golf course is located in Australia. Nullarbor Links measures in at over 850 miles long.
  8. Australia is home to 21 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world. It has more venomous snake species than any other continent.
  9. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 63% of Aussies were classified as overweight or obese in 2012.
  10. Australia has a vibrant multicultural community of people from close to 200 countries.
  11. They have a range of different landscapes, including urban areas, mountain ranges, deserts, and rain forests.
  12. Australia is home to a variety of unique animals, including the koala, kangaroo, emu, kookaburra, and platypus.

Cultural facts about Australia:

facts about Australia
  1. Australia Day, the national day of the country is celebrated on 26th January every year. The “day” is a form of celebration of Australia’s diversity and tolerance of different sects of people.
  2. Australia is known as ‘the sports capital’ of the world. The reason is more than 70% of its capital participates in a recreational activity or sports, at least once in a week.
  3. Australians refer to the English people as Pome. Pome is an acronym for Prisoners of Mother England.
  4. Australia’s national anthem was “God Save the Queen” until 1984. Now, the national anthem is “Advance Australia Fare.”
  5. Melbourne has the largest Greek population in the world, outside Greece.
  6. The average poker player in Australia loses $380 every year and yet they still play the game very fondly.
  7. The Australian wine industry is the fourth largest exporter of wine in the world. With approximately 750 million liters a year delivered to the international export market.

Historic facts about Australia:

  1. In 1902, the Commonwealth Franchise Act was passed. Granting Australian women the right to stand for federal parliament and vote in federal elections.
  2. In 1856, Australia was the first country to introduce the concept of an 8-hour working day. On 21 April 1856, history was made when an eight hour day was introduced into the building trades in Melbourne. After a lengthy struggle between building tradesmen and contractors. This achievement earned Australia the reputation of a ‘workingman’s paradise’.
  3. In 2011, the Economist ranked Australians as the world’s biggest gamblers per capita. With estimated spending of the equivalent of $1208.75 per person in the year 2010.
  4. The Great Victoria Desert is a barren area in Australia that is larger in area than the United Kingdom.
  5. At the time of the European settlement, approximately 250 languages were spoken by the Aboriginals. Today, about 50 of these languages are actively spoken.
  6. Aboriginal culture is the oldest on Earth. It’s estimated that the continent’s original inhabitants have been in Australia for a staggering 40,000-60,000 years.
  7. Melbourne is home to the first Vegemite, plastic banknotes, seat belts, breathalizers, Electrical Drill, Hills Hoist clothesline, Utility Vehicle, and the Bionic Ear.
  8. 1 million wild camels roam the Australian deserts. They were originally brought over to help with railroad construction. These feral camels are now being controlled by the government’s Feral Camel Management Program.
  9. Australians developed a fake animal to further scare tourists. The drop bear was purported by mainstream institutions including the Australian Museum. To drop from trees and attack tourists. There is no drop bear.
THE DROP BEAR

Fun facts of Australia:

  1. Australia is the only country in the world where there are more species of venomous snakes than non-venomous snakes.
  2. The longest fence in the world is in Australia. And it is 5,530 kilometers in length. It is called the ‘dingo fence’.
  3. The world’s highest steel arch bridge “the Harbor Bridge” is in Sydney, Australia. It spans 97.3 m and 134 m high above the mean sea level. It is recorded in the Guinness for its span.
  4. The largest cattle station in the world is located in Australia and it’s bigger than Israel.
  5. Australia has its desert area, known as the Outback.
  6. The world’s largest espresso machine is fitted in Australia. It can brew up to 18 cups of coffee at any given time. At least 5 people are required to handle it while operating.
  7. The Great Victoria Desert is a barren area in Australia and it’s larger in area than the United Kingdom.
  8. Australia is ranked second on the Human Development Index. Which takes into account a long and healthy life, knowledge and a decent standard of living. 
  9. Brisbane, Australia is the home for a host of the world cockroach racing championship.
  10. There is a lake known as ‘Pink Lake’ in Australia. The name of this lake, which is a salt lake is named after its color. Which is exactly what it sounds like.
  11. Aussies drink 1.7 billion liters of beer per year, that’s about 680 bottles of beer for each adult.
  12. Melbourne is the only city in the world to have 5 international standard sporting facilities. These are Melbourne Cricket Ground, Etihad Stadium, Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and Olympic Park in Melbourne Park.
  13. Australia is the only continent without an active volcano.

Summing it all,

Australia is a very relaxed and easy-going country. Its people are connected to the country. And have a lot of love and pride for Australia. The country has thrived since it received its independence from the United Kingdom in 1901. It has built a flourishing economy and a high quality of life for its citizens. Australia’s citizens have one of the highest life expectancies in the world. They live a very relaxed and fun-filled life. Most Australians live near the beach. And can often be found outdoors enjoying the sun. Due to their high quality of life and beautiful climate and lands, many people immigrate to the country each year. Hoping to leave behind their busy lives and find happiness under the sun.

For more such articles visit our website Fajar Magazine.

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