Australia is often referred to as the "lucky country", with growing economy, political stability and a quality of life envied by many. Australia commenced a basic reorientation of its economy more than 16 years ago and has transformed itself from an inward looking, import-substitution country to an internationally competitive, export-oriented one.
Known for its stunning landscapes, Australia is one of the favorite destinations today
Australia is often referred to as the "lucky country", with temperate climate, impressive landscape, growing economy, political stability and a quality of life envied by many. Australia is known around the world for its stunning landscapes. It is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
It is the sixth largest country in the world and about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - just two people per square kilometers.
One of the oldest continents, Australia is as wide as the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei and as long as the distance from Singapore to Manila. Australia is the only country to occupy an entire continent.
The Australian economy is around 4.4 % (compound average annual growth) from 1995 to 2000, although in 2001, economic growth was forecast to be moderate. Australia's growth was accompanied by low inflation. Australia's compound average inflation over the 1990s was 2.26 %, compared with average inflation of 2.5 % in the European Union and 2.9 % in United States.
Australia is a tolerant and inclusive society, a nation built by people from many different backgrounds. Cultural diversity has become a touchstone of its national identity.
As Australia entered the 20th century, its population consisted of a relatively small number of Indigenous peoples and an overwhelming majority of Europeans, most of whose origins lay in the British Isles. In 2000, its population having grown from 3.8 million to more than 19 million, Australia is home to people from more than 140 countries and has an enviable international reputation for its diversity and tolerance.
The term 'Australian multiculturalism' summarizes the way the nation addresses the challenges and opportunities of its diversity. It accepts and respects the right of all Australians to express and share their individual cultural heritage within an overriding commitment to Australia's democratic foundations and to English as the national language.
The term 'Australian multiculturalism' summarizes the way the nation addresses the challenges and opportunities of its diversity. It accepts and respects the right of all Australians to express and share their individual cultural heritage within an overriding commitment to Australia's democratic foundations and to English as the national language.
Australian foreign policy has a strong focus on the Asia Pacific region. But Australia also looks beyond the region to play an active role in the development of solutions to global economic, social and strategic problems. People from all over the world come to Australia to enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living.
Australia offers world class education facilities, exceptional health services, spectacular natural environment and friendly, safe neighborhoods. Australia has one of the lowest crime rates in the Western World. Australia has a vibrant heritage, is rich in the arts and is renowned for its sporting achievements.
Over the past 20 years the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary British market access to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. . . .
Know Australia
. Capital: Canberra
. States and Territories: There are nine states and territories in Australia and they are Australian 'Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territories.
. Total Population: 20,090,437 (July 2005 est.)
. Net Immigrant Rate: 3.91 migrant(s)/1 ,000 population (2005 est.)
. Ethnic Groups: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1 %
Skilled Workers 
