Australia
The Wonders of Australia
Geography
Covering a total area of 7.69 million square kilometers mainland Australia is the world’s largest island - but smallest continent.
In distance, the continent stretches about 3700 kilometers from north to south and 4000 kilometers from east to west, making it the sixth-largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States and Brazil.
Australia is also the only continent that is governed as a single country. It is sometimes informally referred to as an 'island' continent, surrounded by oceans.
Their ocean territory is also the third-largest in the world, spanning three oceans and covering around 12 million square kilometers. Australia currently has a population of almost 23 million people.
Typical Weather
Australian Food
Australia has become famous in the culinary world for its 'fusion' food: since the 1970's Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese Japanese and Indian immigrants in particular have had a big impact on Australian cuisine. As well as Asian, you will also be able to find Spanish, Balkan, Hungarian, Turkish and Lebanese restaurants.
Think of Australian food and most people imagine barbeques and Vegemite. Some other traditional Aussie fare is shown below.
Meat Pie
Traditionally served with a dollop of tomato ketchup or, in Adelaide, floating on a bed of mushy peas.
Chicko Rolls (inspired by Chinese spring rolls)
These were invented as a hot snack that could be eaten with one hand, leaving the other free for a beer.
Surf'n'turf
According to some, this mix of meat (steak or pork) plus seafood served with salad is making a bit of a comeback.
Australia's Plants
There are an estimated 27,700 plant species in Australia, including living fossils such as the cycad palm and the grass tree, and brilliant wildflowers such as the waratah, Sturt’s desert pea, banksia and kangaroo paws.
They also have around 2800 species of eucalyptus (gum trees), and 1000 species of acacia, which we call ‘wattle’. The Golden Wattle is Australia’s floral emblem. Eucalyptus make up almost 80 percent of our forests. Acacias, melaleuca (tea tree), casuarinas (she-oaks), callitris (cypress pine), mangrove and rain-forests make up the other 20 percent.
Australia's Animals
Marine Animals
Their marine environments support around 4000 of the world’s 22000 types of fish, as well as 30 of the world’s 58 seagrass species.
Reptiles
Australia has more species of venomous snakes than any other continent, 21 of the world’s 25 deadliest in fact. But not all are poisonous; They also have some stunning pythons and tree snakes.
Marsupials
Australia has more than 140 species of marsupials, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and wombats.
Most Popular City
Sydney
Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most popular city in Australia. It is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea.
Population: 4,627,345 (2012)
Area: 4,689 sq miles (12,140 km²)
Founded: 1788