Introduction of Australia

cctv.com 10-16-2003 14:36

Brief history: Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to a republic, was defeated in 1999.

Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean

Area: total: 7,686,850 sq km

Population: 19,731,984 (July 2003 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.93% (2003 est.)

Nationality: noun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Ethnic groups: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Religions: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%, non-Christian 11%, other 12.6%

Languages: English, native languages

Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia

conventional short form: Australia

Capital: Canberra

Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)

Exchange rates: Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001), 1.7248 (2000), 1.55 (1999), 1.5918 (1998)

Editor:Xiao  Source: