Arbeitsblatt: Fun Facts Australia

Welcome to Australia Gday, mate—and welcome to Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia: home to the kangaroo, the koala, the boomerang, and some of the most stunning coastlines youll ever come across. Its the largest country in Oceania and the sixth-largest country in the world. Although it is the smallest continental landmass, it is, in fact, the worlds largest island; just to compare, the UK would fit into Australia approximately 32 times! The most surprising statistic, though, is Australias population density—one of the lowest in the world. Only 26 million people inhabit the country—thats around 3 people per square meter. Most of the population is concentrated in or around the coastal areas of all the main states and territories. Made up of six states—New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania—and two territories—Northern Territory (NT) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)—much of inland Australia is deserted. Though most people mistakenly believe Sydney to be the capital, it is, in fact, Canberra, which is in southeastern Australia, in the ACT. Australia is almost 4,000 km from east to west and 3,200 km from north to south—a flight that would take approximately 4.5 hours each way! Generally, the north is hot and tropical, while the south is subtropical or temperate, with most rainfall happening around the coast. There is even some snow in southern Australia and Tasmania during the winter months. As one of the most ethnically diverse nations, nearly quarter of the countrys inhabitants were born elsewhere, making it the eighth-largest immigrant population in the world. Following World War II, Australia promoted itself with Populate or Perish slogan, urging foreigners to visit and eventually settle—which many did. First from Britain, then Europe, and finally Asia became the largest source of immigrants in the 21st century. The national language is English, though Aboriginal Australians have their own set of languages and customs. Today, there are an estimated 400,000 Aborigines (Indigenous people of Australia). As commonwealth of the UK, Australias Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented by GovernorGeneral and Prime Minister. Power is divided between the federal and state governments. Australia is highly developed country with strong economy— 13th in the world, actually. Australia is an important exporter of agricultural goods, such as wool, wheat, beef, fruit, and wine, but there is also need to import major items—most notably petroleum and crude oils, cars, phones, computers, and medicines. The national sport of Australia is cricket during summer and football during winter. Not football in the UK sense, but Australian Football, which at first glance resembles rugby, using hands as well as feet. As result of their fantastic coastline, Australians are also famous for water sports— and youll be hard-pressed to find local who doesnt know how to surf! We couldnt possibly finish without talking about some of Australias most famous landmarks. The Sydney Opera House, located on the banks of Sydney Harbour, was designed by Danish architect, took 14 years to construct, and has become one of the most famous structures in the world. Right next to it is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, and more than 150,000 vehicles cross it every day. Finally, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is massive sandstone formation situated almost dead center of Australia in the Northern Territory. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru is sacred to the Aboriginal people, with its abundance of springs, waterholes, rock caves, and ancient paintings. With so much to see and do, and so much ground to cover, Australia is tourists paradise. What are you waiting for? Get yourself to the Land Down Under! Welcome to Australia Summary Australia is the largest country in Oceania Its the smallest continent but the largest island. The UK could fit into Australia about 32 times population is about 26 million, concentrated along the coasts. Comprises six states (NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania) and two territories (NT, ACT) much of the interior is sparsely inhabited. Canberra is the capital, not Sydney. Vast distances: 4,000 km east–west and 3,200 km north–south ,a flight across takes about 4.5 hours. Climate: tropical in the north; subtropical in the south; most rain along coasts; some winter snow in southern regions and Tasmania. Highly diverse population: nearly quarter born overseas; policy encouraged immigration from Britain, Europe, and later Asia. English is the national language; Aboriginal Australians have distinct languages and customs; around 400,000 Indigenous people today. As UK Commonwealth, the Head of State is King Charles, represented by Governor-General; power is shared between federal and state governments. Advanced economy: exports include wool, wheat, beef, fruit, and wine; key imports include petroleum, cars, phones, computers, and medicines. Popular sports: cricket in summer, Australian Football in winter; strong beach culture and water sports, especially surfing. Iconic landmarks: Sydney Opera House (Danish design, 14 years to build), Sydney Harbour Bridge (tallest steel arch bridge; 150,000 vehicles daily), and Uluru (UNESCO site sacred to Aboriginal people). With diverse landscapes and attractions, Australia is promoted as travellers paradise.