Australia is a country located in the southern hemisphere, on the mainland of the same name. Among the territories belonging to the state, the island of Tasmania and some other small islands are ranked. The states of Indonesia, New Guinea and East Timor are located to the north of Australia, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are in the northeast, and New Zealand is located in the southeast direction.
Australia - The state is developed and civilized. It takes 13th place in terms of economic indicators. The quality of life of the population is very high (6th place in the world ranking).
Australia is a country full of secrets. Its territory is mostly occupied by natural landscapes, untouched by civilization. If you go deep into the mainland, then after a few tens of kilometers you can see areas with a small number of settlements. Forests and ranches rich in vegetation of rural residents are gradually replaced by vast areas of deserts.
In total, about 20 million people are citizens of Australia. From the history of the country it is known that for a long time only indigenous people existed on these lands - Australian and Tasmanian aborigines. But the situation changed by the end of the 18th century, when flows of migrants from all over the world poured into Australia.
Today, the country's population is the descendants of immigrants who came here during the 19th and 20th centuries. The bulk of the immigrants were British. Australia was originally a place for exile, but later voluntary resettlement became predominant in the demographics of the country. The decisive role in the formation of interest in Australia was played by the discovery of gold deposits. And for a short period of the mid-19th century, the population grew three times.
The second largest group that made up the ethnic picture of Australia, were the Germans. They began to come here by the end of the 19th century.
Australia was interested in immigration, therefore, a program was specially developed to attract visitors from different countries. These measures were necessary for the growth and development of the economy, and during the post-war years (after the end of world wars), a significant part of the country's population came here. In addition to the British and Germans, Italians, Dutch, Greeks, Yugoslavs, Chinese, Vietnamese and other peoples live in Australia.
English, or rather its dialect (Australian English), is the state language. When writing, the traditional rules for British English are followed.
As for religion, the Australian population does not pay too much attention to it. The state does not have an officially selected church, while about 64% of residents consider themselves to be representatives of the Christian faith. The group under the code name "No Religion", which includes agnostics, humanists, atheists, rationalists, includes 19% of the population. 12% are not associated with any faith. Existing religious representations are few. Among them are Buddhism (2%), Islam (1.7%), Hinduism (less than 1%) and others.
The state currency is the Australian dollar, which refers to the US currency practically as 1: 1.
Australia - the capital and major cities
The capital of Australia was the city of Canberra. The population is 345 thousand people. This is one of the largest cities in the Australian Union, located not on the coast, but in the depths of the state.
Two great centers, Melbourne and Sydney, fought for the status of the main city of the country at once. But the compromise was the decision to make Canberra the capital. Since 1913, grand construction has unfolded here, the concept of which was chosen to create a garden city while preserving its natural splendor, but with the addition of modernity and dynamism to the general view.
Canberra began to flourish after the end of World War II. Canberra is the seat of the Australian government. Here are the Supreme Court and the Parliament.
Sydney is Australia's largest city. About 4.5 million people live here. This city was the site of the first landing and colonial settlement of Europeans. Sydney got its name in honor of the English minister, who led the organization of travel to Australia. Sydney's unofficial nickname is "City Near the Cove."
Melbourne is the second largest Australian city by population (3.8 million people). It is the commercial and industrial center of Australia, it often hosts all kinds of top-level meetings, as well as various sports competitions. Melbourne is the southernmost millionaire city in the world. According to opinion polls, it was he who was recognized as the most comfortable place to live on earth (2011 results).
Australia - holidays and tours
Going to Australia, tourists expect to get the opportunity to relax comfortably and have fun. The gold coast of the country with the most common beach holiday is the Gold Coast, an area located between Brisbane and Sydney. The length of the beach is almost 40 kilometers! And for 300 days a year there is good weather. Even high humidity is not a hindrance for vacationers. Only in the rainy season, the beaches become empty, but this does not last long.
In Australia, there are places of interest to lovers of water activities. The Great Barrier Reef is a real paradise for diving fans. Multiple freestanding coral reefs attract divers with the unimaginable beauty of the deep sea. Today, environmental services have taken the area under their care. 90% of the species of coral known to science live here. In addition, the local underwater world is fabulously rich and diverse. There live 4 thousand different species of mollusks, 10 thousand species of sponges and 1,5 thousand species of fish. For those who like to tickle their nerves, specially organized dives are not in safe waters, but on a visit to white sharks. True, such "travels" take place in a special cage, which is too tough for the thunderstorm of local waters.
For ecotourism, Australia is an endless source of pleasure. It is unrealistic to go round the country completely and make out all the beauties with which it is rich. Therefore, having visited once in one of the parks of the country, I want to see much more. At the same time, tourists are attracted not only by landscapes and wonders of the animal world. Local traditions and rituals are also objects of a detailed study of the country's guests. The bizarre combination of the benefits of civilization with the savagery of the natives do not leave indifferent any tourist. The native, who has fried a piece of kenguryatina obtained by honest hunting, is preparing his lunch not on a spit, but on a Teflon pan, which undoubtedly amuses observers.
Another entertainment for those who like to admire the wildlife has become a safari. But now trips do without shedding the blood of unhappy wild animals. Today, the Australian safari is the contemplation of living in natural habitats.
Having huge water resources, the country cannot but provide tourists with the opportunity to ride the waves. Surfing is so popular here that Australia is considered the best place on earth to practice this sport.
Oddly enough, but this hot country has its own ski slopes. So on the Ben Lomond plateau (reaches a height of 1572 meters), tracks are equipped, and anyone can use professional equipment for skiing. Equipment can be rented right away.
Australia - Attractions
Before a tourist who arrives on the mainland for the first time, the question always arises: where to start exploring the country - from exploring the local capitals or going deep into the mainland to travel to the natives? The final choice depends only on personal preferences.
Australia's largest cities are the most beautiful centers of culture and civilization in the world. In Sydney, the famous Opera House has become a hallmark of the city. This city has long been among the best places for tourist trips.
No less beautiful is Melbourne. It is called the most "European" of all cities in Australia. It houses prestigious schools and universities, as well as theaters and museums. Therefore, it is no accident that it was Melbourne that received the status of the intellectual capital of the country.
The pride of Australia is its national parks and conservation areas located near major cities. The Blue Mountains Park (100 km from Sydney) is known for its relict forests. Some specimens have reached the age of two thousand years! During the year, this park meets more than 3 million tourists.
In the north of the country, in a tropical climate, there are other famous park areas. They live in a myriad of diverse animals, birds and plants. Popular are the national parks "Kakadu", "Namburg" and many others.
Tasmania is one large nature reserve. The jungle and pristine forests make up a third of the territory. One of the legendary inhabitants of these forests was the "Tasmanian devil," but in recent years the number of these animals has been declining.
Echoes of the Gold Rush have survived in Australia. Hunters for wealth come here hoping to find semiprecious stones in the place of Fire Hills. The goal of the search is opals, and for some prospectors luck is still smiling.
Local Aborigines are an integral part of Australia. The culture of the indigenous population of the country attracts the attention of exotic lovers. Alice Springs is the most convenient place to study the life of the Australian people. The sacred place for the natives was the rock Uluru, located nearby. The shrine of the natives can be seen in all its glory in the early morning, when the rays of the sun fall on it. Around the monolith, motorcycle and helicopter tours are organized.
Australia - weather
The ocean is a determining factor in the formation of climatic conditions in Australia. The influence of ocean currents led to a change in the dry season to the rainy season. Reduced atmospheric pressure is also directly affected by air masses formed over the waters of the oceans.
Cyclones are not uncommon in the northern part of the country. The tropical climate prevails here. Precipitation falls mainly in the summer.
Deserts and semi-deserts located in the interior of the continent are characterized by a dry climate with minimal rainfall. It is these zones that are predominant, which is why Australia is considered the most arid continent of the Southern Hemisphere.
The southern territories are characterized by a temperate or Mediterranean climate. There is no snow in Australia, or it is so rare that it does not form a coating. Only the tops of the mountains are in the zone of low temperatures. The rest of the country is forced to experience the effects of the hot rays of the sun for most of the year.
Weather in Australia now:
Australia - Cuisine
The cuisine of Australia is diverse and original. It combines the customs of cooking, taken from the natives, mixed with European traditions. The exotic for tourists is the kangaroo tail soup, which can be enjoyed at local restaurants. Crocodile steak or scrambled eggs on ostrich eggs are also offered here.
Ostrich meat is a common food for the native of Australia. According to gourmets, it tastes like rabbit meat. And since the rabbit itself is the worst pest for farmers in this country, it is readily eaten in stewed, fried or boiled form.
All dishes of local cuisine are not only interesting in terms of gastronomy, but also cheap. The combination of traditions brought success to many "Australian" restaurants, open around the world. The French consider today's Australia the world center of gastronomy.
Exotic fruits, various types of meat, seafood and excellent cheeses form the basis of the modern Australian menu.
Among traditional Australian dishes, Vegemite
- A special product with onions, celery and salt. Its basis is yeast extract. It is spread on bread or consumed independently.
Another favorite dish of Australians is Lamington biscuit. Initially, biscuits were stuffed with strawberries or jams, but today whipped cream is most often used.
Other delicacies, such as shark lips or kangaroos in sauce, can be bought completely freely in local markets. Recently, kangaroo meat is allowed for free sale.
Australia - interesting facts
Australia is not too different in the number of national holidays. There are only 7 holiday dates in the year. Each state also has days that are celebrated annually. But the most important are:
• New Year (January 1),
• Australia Day (January 26),
• Good Friday (March),
• Easter Monday (April),
• Christmas (December 25),
• Boxing Day (December 26th).
The Queen's birthday is also a national holiday. The head of Australia is formally considered the Queen of Great Britain.
Australia - visa application
Getting a visa is a must for a trip to Australia. A visa can be single or prolonged. A multi-visa is issued if there is an official invitation to the country.
You must provide a standard set of documents. But it should be remembered that in order to apply for a visa to Australia, translations in English must be attached to the original documents. Translations should be officially certified.
The package of documents includes:
• Visa fees,
• Photo,
• Application (form 48 R),
• Valid passport,
• Passport,
• Currency purchase certificate,
• Certificate of employment with full information,
• Documents for business (if available),
• Certificate from the place of study,
• Invitation.
Australia - Embassy
The Australian Embassy is located in Moscow on Podkolokolny Lane, 10a / 2. Phone: + 7 (495) 956-61-62.
Australia map
