Australia, the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere

Australia, the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia’s capital is Canberra, located in the southeast between the larger and more important economic and cultural centres of Sydney and Melbourne.

Australia, the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia’s capital is Canberra, located in the southeast between the larger and more important economic and cultural centres of Sydney and Melbourne.

The geography of Australia ranges from deserts, mountainous, tropical islands, rain forests, lakes and rivers. The longest river in Australia is the Murray River which is 2375 kilometres long. The Murray River begins in New South Wales, then travels through Victoria and finally South Australia where the Murray Mouth meets the Southern Ocean. The climate in Australia varies with tropical climate in the northern parts, subtropical in the south and temperate in the south east and south west. Canberra can be very cool in winter and the coldest temperature recorded was -14.60 degrees in 1971 while Stanthorpe in Queensland holds the record for the lowest temperature in the state.

Flag

• The flag has three elements on a blue background: the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross.
• The Union Jack in the upper left corner represents the history of British settlement.
• Below the Union Jack is a white Commonwealth, or Federation, star. It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The star is also featured on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms.
• The Southern Cross is shown on the flag in white. It is a constellation of five stars that can only be seen from the southern hemisphere and is a reminder of Australia’s geography.

Australian education system

The Australian education system offers primary, secondary and tertiary education linked across the country and across the world.

• School education is similar across all of Australia with only minor variations between states and territories. School education (primary and secondary) is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9 or 10). School education is 13 years and divided into:
• Primary school - Runs for seven or eight years, starting at Kindergarten/Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7.
• Secondary school - Runs for three or four years, from Years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10.
• Senior secondary school - Runs for two years, Years 11 and 12.
• Tertiary education
• Tertiary education includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET).
• Language of instruction
• English is the official language of Australia and the main language of instruction in the education system. Many schools offer bilingual programs or programs in other languages.

Facts

• The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps. ...
• 90% of Australians live on the coast. ...
• Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world. ...
• The Great Barrier Reef is the largest eco-system in the world. ...
• Australia has over 60 separate wine regions.
• Australia is the driest of any continent on earth other than Antarctica.
• The Great Barrier Reef is regarded as the world's largest living organism, and is often listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
• Australia is the only continent covered by a single country.