Australia flag

Country in Oceania

Australia

Australia is a vast island continent of extraordinary diversity, from tropical reefs and red deserts to alpine peaks and cosmopolitan cities, with one of the world's most unique ecosystems.

CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
CurrencyAustralian dollar
Population27.5M

Key Facts

CapitalCanberra
RegionOceania / Australasia
GovernmentFederal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Independence1901
Area7,692,024 km2
Population density3/km2
Time zoneMultiple (AEST UTC+10 to AWST UTC+8)
Calling code+61
Drives onLeft

Quick View

HDI
0.946
Safety index
68.0
Internet access
92%
Life expectancy
83.5

Sources: World Bank, Numbeo, UN.

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Mount Kosciuszko2,228 m
Mount Townsend2,209 m
Mount Twynam2,196 m

Religion (est.)

  • Christianity44%
  • No religion39%
  • Islam3%
  • Other14%

Why Visit

Great Barrier ReefThe world's largest coral reef system, stretching 2,300 km along the Queensland coast.
SydneyIconic harbour city with the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.
UluruSacred sandstone monolith at the heart of the Red Centre, revered by the Anangu people.
Daintree RainforestThe world's oldest tropical rainforest, meeting the reef at Cape Tribulation.
Great Ocean RoadDramatic coastal drive past the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks in Victoria.

Top 3 Cities by Population

Sydney
5.3M
Melbourne
5.1M
Brisbane
2.6M

Climate Overview

26CJan avg.
13CJul avg.
534 mmYearly rainfall
Varies: tropical, arid, temperateClimate

Other Quick Info

CurrencyAustralian dollar
Official languageEnglish
National day26 January
Electricity230V, Type I