Information about Australia

Overview

Area
7,682,300 sq km (Similar in size to the USA minus Alaska/Hawaii)
Population
19.5 million (June 2001; estimated annual growth rate of 1.4%)
Capital city
Canberra (pop: 321,300 in 2001)
Language
English (Although Aboriginal languages, Italian, Greek and numerous other European and Asian languages spoken)
Religion
27% Catholic, 21% Anglican, 21% other Christian denominations and 5% non-Christian religions. Just over one-quarter of Australians do not have a religious affiliation.
Type of government
Federal parliamentary state
Head of State
Queen Elizabeth II (hereditary monarch); represented in the national government by the Governor General, and in each state by a Governor
Prime Minister and head of national Government
John Howard
Australian states and their capital cities

New South Wales, Sydney
Victoria, Melbourne
Queensland, Brisbane
South Australia, Adelaide
Western Australia, Perth
Tasmania, Hobart

Australian territories

Australian Antarctic Territory
Australian Capital Territory*+, Capital: Canberra
Ashmore (Reef) and Cartier Islands
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Coral Sea Islands
Heard and McDonald Islands
Jervis Bay*
Norfolk Island+
Northern Territory*+, Capital: Darwin

+ three self-governing territories
* three territories located on the Australian mainland

National Anthem
Advance Australia Fair

Maps of Australia

Some Good Information and Data Sources