Australia

Australia is the flattest and smallest continent, which is located in south-east Asia. It’s surrounded by two oceans, Pacific one from the east and Indian one from the west.

History:
The first recorded sighting of the Australian mainland and the first recorded landfall on the continent made Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon in 1606. He was followed by William Dampier, a British explorer, who visited Australia for two times (first time in 1688, second time in 1699). In 1770 claimed British sailor James Cook Australia for Britain and established a penal colony, which is basically a huge prison.

Geography:
Australia is the 6th biggest country. It has six states – New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania and two major territories – the Northern territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Each state has its own parliament.
There are some islands around Australia, for example: Christmas Island, Cocos Island, Tasmania, Cartier Island, and McDonald Island.
Capital city of Australia is Canberra. Some other important cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle.

Climate and Environment:
Climate in Australia varies from warm to subtropical. There are many deserts (Outbacks) in the middle of country, but in the North we can find some rain forests. The Western Australia is hot and arid.
Among well-known Australian fauna belong platypus, kangaroo, koala bear, wombat, emu and kookaburra. There are also some dangerous animals including some of the most venomous snakes in the world.

Demography:
In 1770 there were about 350 000 inhabitants - most of them were Aboriginals, native people of Australia. In 1909 there were about 3, 8 million inhabitants and every 10 years there was 10% increase of population. In 1960 there were circa 10 million people and today there are circa 22 million people in Australia. In 2050 there should be over 36 million people.
But it’s not many people for such a large country. There is very low population density, circa 3 people per 1 square-kilometer.
People of Australia are still mainly of British or Irish ethnic origin. 37% people have Australian ancestors, but over 31% of Australians have British ancestors, followed by 9% of people. They have Irish ancestors.