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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country located in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. With an estimated population of over 25 million people, it is the world's sixth-largest country by total area and has diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. This wiki page provides an overview of Australia, including its history, geography, government, economy, and notable landmarks.
	'''Australia''', officially the '''Commonwealth of Australia''', is a country in the Southern Hemisphere. It includes the Australian mainland, Tasmania and many smaller islands. Its capital is Canberra, and its largest city is Sydney.

== History ==
The history of Australia dates back tens of thousands of years, with Indigenous Australians being the continent's original inhabitants. European exploration and settlement began in the 17th century, leading to the establishment of British colonies in the late 18th century. In 1901, the colonies federated, forming the Commonwealth of Australia as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. Australia has since become a prosperous and multicultural nation.
	Australia is both a continent-sized country and a federation. It has six states and two mainland self-governing territories.

== Geography ==	== Geography ==
Australia is the world's largest island and the smallest continent. It is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with neighbouring countries including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. The country has diverse geography, ranging from vast deserts in the interior, such as the famous Australian Outback, to lush rainforests, stunning coastal areas, and iconic landmarks like Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef.
	Australia is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and surrounding seas. Its landscapes include deserts, tropical forests, temperate forests, grasslands, mountains, beaches and coral reefs.

== Government and Politics ==
Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, with Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning monarch. The Australian Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The country is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own government and varying degrees of self-governance.
	Important natural features include the Great Barrier Reef, the Australian Alps, the Outback, the Murray-Darling river system, Kakadu, Tasmania and Uluru.

	== History ==
	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived on the continent and islands for tens of thousands of years. European mapping and contact increased from the seventeenth century, and British colonisation began in 1788 with the colony of New South Wales.

	The Australian colonies federated on 1 January 1901, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. The Parliamentary Education Office describes Australia as a representative democracy, a constitutional monarchy and a federation.

	== Government ==
	Australia's federal Parliament consists of the King, represented by the Governor-General, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Prime Minister leads the government.

	The six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. The two mainland territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

== Economy ==	== Economy ==
Australia has a mixed-market economy, characterized by high standards of living, well-developed infrastructure, and abundant natural resources. It is one of the world's largest exporters of minerals, including iron ore, coal, and gold. The country also has a strong service sector, including finance, tourism, and education. Agriculture plays a significant role, with Australia being a major producer of wheat, beef, wool, and wine.
	Australia has a developed mixed economy. Important sectors include mining, agriculture, education, finance, healthcare, construction, tourism, technology and public services.

== Notable Landmarks and Cities ==
Australia is home to numerous notable landmarks and vibrant cities. Sydney, the largest city, is known for its iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Melbourne is renowned for its cultural scene, sporting events, and coffee culture. Other notable cities include Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra, the capital city. Natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Twelve Apostles attract visitors from around the world.
	Trade with Asia is especially important, and natural resources such as iron ore, coal, gas and critical minerals have a major role in exports.

	== Culture ==
	Australian culture is shaped by Indigenous peoples, British colonisation, migration, sport, coastal life, rural mythology and modern urban society.

	Cricket, rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules football, tennis and swimming are prominent sports. Australian film, music, literature and food also reflect a mix of local and migrant influences.

	== See Also ==
	* [[New_Zealand]]
	* [[United_Kingdom]]
	* [[British]]

	== References ==
	* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Australia Encyclopaedia Britannica: Australia]
	* [https://peo.gov.au/understand-our-parliament/how-parliament-works/system-of-government/australian-system-of-government Parliamentary Education Office: Australian system of government]
	* [https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/House_of_Representatives/About_the_House_News/News/Parliament_Explained_Federation Parliament of Australia: Federation]
	* [https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/House_of_Representatives/Powers_practice_and_procedure/00_-_Infosheets/Infosheet_20_-_The_Australian_system_of_government Parliament of Australia: the Australian system of government]

	[[Category:Countries]]
	[[Category:Oceania]]