Australia (World Division Map)

Author: Zhou Min, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: Australia is the sixth-largest landmass in the world, after Russia, Canada, China, the United States, and Brazil. However, it has a relatively small population. Australia is the only country in the world that governs an entire continent and its surrounding islands. The Australian continent is one of the oldest lands, with exposed continental bedrock dating back 3 billion years due to erosion. At the same time, Australia is the flattest continent. Except for Antarctica, it is the continent with the least rainfall. Large parts of the land are arid or semi-arid, making them unsuitable for human settlement. Australia's average elevation is below 300 meters, while the world's average elevation is 700 meters. The Australian Alps in the southeast are the highest region in Australia, with its highest peak being Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters). About one-third of Australia is tropical, while the rest is temperate, resulting in significant climatic differences. The northern part is tropical, while the southern part is mild. The coldest regions are the highlands of Tasmania and the plateaus and the southeastern corner of the continent. The Australian continent is the largest island on Earth and also the smallest and flattest landmass. Australia is located between 10° and 39° South latitude. The highest point on the Australian continent, Mount Kosciuszko, is only 2,228 meters high. Its terrain is ancient and flat. Therefore, when clouds pass over, they are not blocked by high mountains, leading to insufficient rainfall in most parts of the country. Except for Antarctica, Australia is the continent with the least rainfall. Australia has fertile, well-irrigated land. This land resource is utilized effectively to help feed the world's population. In arid regions, cattle and sheep can be grazed, but the soil must be carefully protected. When Australia experiences long periods of low rainfall, droughts occur, and some pastures can turn into deserts. The Commonwealth of Australia consists of six states and two territories. Most of the inland boundaries are defined by lines of longitude and latitude. Western Australia is the largest state, with an area as large as the entire Western Europe. Australia's population was 19.1 million (as of December 1999), most of whom live in cities along the Pacific coast in the east, making it one of the countries with the lowest population density in the world. Australia's earliest inhabitants—the Aboriginal people—have lived on this land for 40,000 years, surviving in a natural environment through hunting and gathering wild plants. Today, Aboriginal people do not live in traditional tribal ways; most live in towns or cities, accounting for about 1.5% of the national population. In 1788, Australia became a British colony. In the first 150 years, most settlers came from Great Britain and Ireland, but in the last 50 years, settlers came from over 140 countries, with more than 40% of them being from Asia. The official language of Australia is English. The Australian government encourages people of different races or ethnicities, including Aboriginal people, to use their mother tongues at home or in public, just as they use English. The dominant religion is Christianity.
Lifestyle: Culturally, Australia belongs to Western culture, and its lifestyle is similar to that of Western Europe and North America. Life in Australia is mostly relaxed and friendly. Students who value independence often appreciate the opportunity-rich lifestyle here. They can travel freely and safely on public transportation to beaches, tourist attractions, and participate in diverse cultural activities. Urban culture and metropolitan lifestyles dominate in Australian cities, offering access to delicious cuisines from around the world. Residents living near the coast can enjoy a carefree beach life, surfing, skateboarding, and sunbathing. Australians love drinking beer. In their free time, many people enjoy gathering with friends at bars to drink, chat, and listen to music. Australian cities give a sense of openness, with many spacious parks and green spaces scattered throughout. Convenient transportation can effortlessly take you to national parks in the suburbs of the city.