Geography
Covering a total area of 7.69 million square kilometres, mainland Australia is the world’s largest island - but smallest continent.
In distance, the continent stretches about 3700 kilometres from north to south and 4000 kilometres from east to west, making it the sixth-largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States and Brazil.
Australia is also the only continent that is governed as a single country. It is sometimes informally referred to as an 'island' continent, surrounded by oceans.
Our ocean territory is also the third-largest in the world, spanning three oceans and covering around 12 million square kilometres. We also have one of the most urbanised and coast-dwelling populations in the world, with more than 80 per cent of residents living within 100 kilometres of the coastline. Australia currently has a population of almost 23 million people.
Government
Australia has three levels of government – the federal Australian Government, the governments of the six states and two territories, and around 700 local government authorities. Australia has been a nation with a single national government since 1 January 1901. Although it is divided into states and territories which have their own state governments, we are all united as one nation.
Australia is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom as its head of state, which is why Australia's national flag comprises the Union Jack (along with the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross).
The Queen appoints the Governor-General of Australia as her representative on the advice of the elected Australian Government. The Governor-General appoints ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. Australia’s system of government is based on the liberal democratic tradition, which includes religious tolerance and freedom of speech and association.
The Australian Constitution sets out the functions of the Australian Government, such as foreign relations and trade, defence and immigration. States and territories are responsible for matters not assigned to the federal government.
There are two major political groups that usually form government, federally and in the states: the Australian Labor Party, and the Coalition which is a formal grouping of the Liberal Party and its minor partner, the National Party.
This majority party or coalition becomes the government, decided at an election by Australian citizens. The other major political party or coalition is called ‘the opposition’.
Advantages
- As one of the highest standards of living in the world, Australia offers a superb climate, a unique and beautiful environment, and quality social and cultural infrastructure.
- As a highly developed country well, this country has the world’s thirteenth largest economy with the fifth highest per capita GDP.
- Australian population is considered as a combination of cultural diversity and multiculturalism. The number of foreign-born people in Australia accounted for nearly a quarter of the total population. The education system with reputation of international standard has effectiveness in the system with creative development policies.
- The country has medical healthcare system with international standard, offering free treatment for patients in public hospitals.
- Cultural creativity along with many achievements in research and development for infrastructure.
- Economic development information foundation.
- The development and refinement in financial services sector build this country to become a safe destination for investment.
- The stability, openness and progress of political and legal environment provide strong reliability and security to investors.
- The impressive growth of the country reflects its competitive position in the global economy due to having a strong economy.
- Strategic location, developing global trade, innovative investor relations help this country maintain a position as an ideal investment destination.
