Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's 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 - only two people per square kilometer.

States and Territories
Australia is made up of six states and two territories. Each state and territory has its own parliament, flag and floral emblem. Australia became a federated nation after the union of the six colonies on 1 January 1901. Bound by one parliament, one constitution and one flag, Australia celebrated its Centenary of Federation in 2001.

Geography
The Australian environment is unique. From unspoilt beaches, tropical rainforest, rugged mountain ranges and vast tracts of desert, Australia is a country of contrast. Home to an amazing 14 World Heritage listed wilderness areas, Australia's diversity is yours to enjoy.

Climate
With the reverse seasons of the northern hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or an amazing 70 per cent of the total possible hours. Nearly one third of Australia is in the tropics and the rest has a temperate climate. Northern Australia (for example Darwin and Cairns) has a tropical climate, with humid heat in summer and very little change between seasons.The temperature in the southern part of Australia varies and has four distinct seasons:

• Summer (December to February)
• Autumn (March to May)
• Winter (June to August)
• Spring (September to November)

Tasmania is generally colder all year round compared with the rest of Australia. Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra have cold winters and hot summers. Winters in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane are generally mild.

Time zones
There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory; Central Standard Time (CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) - Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.

People
Australia’s population is approximately 19 million people. Australia is an extremely multicultural society and nearly one quarter of Australians were born overseas. There are nearly one million Asian-born Australians and about 2% of the population are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. More than 100 different ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Because of the multicultural flavour of the country, Australian cities are quite cosmopolitan. Sites showing human occupation in Australia date back 40,000 years. Australian Aborigines inhabited the country for more than 40,000 years, while European settlers first arrived in 1788.

Religion
The majority of Australians are Christian, however, all religions are represented in the community. Churches, synagogues, temples and mosques are located in most major cities.

Lifestyle
Australians are known for their love of life and enjoyment of the great outdoors. While they have a reputation for being a little wild at times, their love of fine dining, the arts and music go hand in hand with their love of sport, the beach and BBQs. Wherever you go in Australia, you'll find a passion for getting the most out of life.

Communications
Australia’s communications and media services are world class. Communications include an excellent national postal service and countrywide Internet and mobile (cell) coverage. A range of network and cable television stations and more than 1,200 magazine titles and newspapers will keep you informed.

Religions
Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%, non-Christian 11%, other 12.6%

Economy
Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West European economies. The Australian economy has been resilient in the face of the global economic downturn in 2001 chalking up 2.3% GDP growth, as the domestic economy is offsetting the external slump and business and consumer confidence remains robust. Canberra's emphasis on reforms is a key factor behind the economy's strength, and Australia is expected to outperform its trading partners in 2002, with GDP growth projected to be 3% or better.

Education
The Federal Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) is responsible for a national education policy and ensures that consistency and standards are maintained through all states and territories. The Australian Education System is divided broadly into five areas:

• Preschool
• Primary School
• Secondary/High School/Secondary Colleges
• Career and Vocational Training
• University or other tertiary institutions

Australian schools, colleges and universities enjoy an international reputation for excellence. Academic staff in universities are recruited internationally, and graduates from Australian colleges and universities are employed all over the world. All teachers in Australian high schools and colleges are university qualified. The academic year starts in late February and finishes in November. Many universities and colleges also accept enrolments in July. English Language course can start at any time.

Students at Australian universities and colleges attend lectures, tutorials, seminars, as well as conducting independent research in libraries or laboratories. They are encouraged to collect and analyze data by them self or in teams, to ask questions, to develop an argument in a logical form and to participate in discussion and debate with other students and lecturers.

This means students are active learners in Australia, and don’t just passively listen and rote learn. Most colleges and universities can help them with study skills so they can adapt to the Australian way of learning There are many reasons why more than 150,000 students from around the world choose to study in Australia every year. A few of the reasons are

• There is a wide range of courses and disciplines offered by Australian institutions.
• Australian courses are very high quality and recognized around the world. Major employers around the world recognize Australian qualifications and employ graduates with Australian qualifications.
• The cost of living and tuition fees compare well with other countries. A recent Australian Government study found that total costs (tuition fees and living costs) in the US and UK are more expensive compared to Australia.
• This is your personal and financial safety. Australia has strict laws that ensure all courses offered to international students are of a high standard and that your tuition fees are protected.
• Australia has a very low crime rate and is a safe country compared to almost all other countries in the world.
• Australia has a dynamic and harmonious multicultural society. Australians are very friendly, warm people and you will feel most welcome in Australia. With more than 150,000 international students in Australia each year, many institutions have strong international student associations.

Employment
The Australian labour market is very competitive. The success in gaining a job depends on prevailing economic conditions, which part of the country you live or intend to live in, the type of work you are looking for, your skills and recognition thereof, and the unique circumstances of particular industries. It may take you some time to find work in Australia. Job vacancies are advertised in the jobs or positions vacant section in Australian newspapers There are also private employment agencies, Many of these agencies also have websites. You can also contact employers directly by telephone, letter or a personal visit to ask if any work is available. Alternately landed immigrants may also contact a Migrant Resource Centre or Migrant Service Agency nearest you for information about jobs and advice on writing job applications.

Health Care
The Australian Government provides help with medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare. Medicare provides health care services and programs such as free public hospital care, help with the cost of out-of-hospital care, and subsidised medicines. To enrol in Medicare, landed immigrants have to wait approximately 7 days after arrival in Australia and then go to a Medicare office, listed in the telephone book, with passport or travel documents. If all enrolment requirements are met, advise would be given of for the Medicare card number and the card will be posted to about three weeks later.

Private Health Insurance
Many Australians belong to private health insurance funds. They cover for treatment as a private patient in private or public hospitals, and can include some services that Medicare does not cover, such as dental and optical services. The costs and types of cover vary widely, so if you decide to get private health insurance, it is important to check the details carefully before you take out the policy.