- Population:
- 26,713,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Australia's history encompasses over 65,000 years of Indigenous cultures prior to European exploration. In 1770, British navigator James Cook charted the eastern coast, leading to British colonization in 1788 as a penal colony. The discovery of gold in the 1850s spurred economic growth and immigration. In 1901, Australia federated its colonies into a commonwealth, achieving nationhood. Throughout the 20th century, Australia evolved into a prosperous, multicultural nation, actively participating in global affairs.
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area, covering approximately 7.68 million square kilometers. As of recent estimates, Australia has a population of about 25 million people. The capital city is Canberra, while the largest city is Sydney. The official language is English. Australia operates as a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch serving as the head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. The economy is highly developed, with key sectors including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from deserts to rainforests, and unique biodiversity, including species like kangaroos and koalas. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the G20, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the World Trade Organization.
