Australia

Australia, the land down under is a new country as compared to many countries around the world. It was initially inhabited by people from South East Asia who are thought to have come here during the last ice age, i.e, at least 50,000 years ago.

These initial inhabitants, the Aboriginal people, lived in Australia as hunters and gatherers. The aboriginals were spread around Australia in over 300 clans and spoke as many as 250 different languages.

European explorers visited the coast of Australia (then called New Holland) in the 17th Century. However, in 1770, Captain James Cook visited the east coast of Australia and claimed it for Briton. Following that, the first European settlement came in the late 18th century. Half of the settlement was full of convicts sent to Australia as a result of penal transportation.

Though the penal transportation brought the initial groups of people to Australia, the country was later flooded by migrants from European and Middle Eastern countries. These migrants were attracted by the industrial phase that Australia was going through. Migration was also helped by the Gold Rush when it was found that few cities in Australia are naturally rich in the shining stone.

Though the gold rush ended in the late 19th century, Australia has continued to grow with the help of migrants from around the world who have imposed upon Australia a true meaning of multiculturalism. Currently, you will find people from every possible background living in Australia and calling it home.

Geographically, Australia is very unique. Being 50 percent larger than Europe, it is the sixth largest country in the world. The big size and low population has also given Australia the lowest population density in the world with only 2 people per square kilometre. There are numerous towns in country Australia that have a population of less than 5000.
 
Australia governs the entire continent and its outlying islands. That is another unique feature as compared to other countries in the world.

Australia is a beach paradise with coastline stretching around 50,000 kms. With major population density near the coastal areas, no wonder Australians love to have fun with water.

Australia is divided into 6 states and 2 territories: New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Each state and territory offers tourists many unique attractions.