The Commonwealth of Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere. It comprises of major island of Tasmania, mainland of the world’s smallest continent, and a number of other islands in the Southern, Indian and Pacific Ocean. Australia’s neighbors are Papua New Guinea and East Timor to the north, the French dependency of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands to the Northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast.

Indigenous Australians inhabited Australian mainland for more than 4200 years. During 17th century fishermen from north and European travelers approached Australia. British officially claimed mainland of Australia as the Colony of New South Wales on January 26, 1788. During 19th century 5 other colonies were also developed. These colonies including New South Wales turns into a federation – the Commonwealth of Australia on January 1, 1901. Australian population is mainly concentrated on Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

The Commonwealth of Australia is a constitutional monarchy; the system of government is parliamentary. The Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Australia. Governor General at Federal Level and Governor at State level represent the Queen. The Governor General has executive power but he / she can act on the advice of Prime Minister of Australia. Though Governor General has reserve powers which he / she can exercise if necessary without the advice of Prime Minister say in the time of emergency etc.

Australia has 6 states- New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The Great Barrier Reef, lies a short distance off the north-east coast and extends for over 1,250 mi.

Australia’s economy is mixed western style, and slightly stronger than United Kingdom, Germany and France. In 2006, United Nations ranked Australia 3rd at Human Development Index. Since last few years Australia is becoming favorite destination among tourists, Australia’s commodity export prices are also on the rise. The service sector, viz education, tourism and financial services contribute to Australia’s 69% GDP, Agriculture and natural resources contributes 3 to 5%. Japan, China, United States, South Korea and New Zealand are largest importer of Australian goods.

Australia has no state religion, largest number of people calls them Christian, others roman catholic and Anglican. You also find religion like humanism, atheism, agnosticism, and rationalism in Australia. Some people call them of no religion.

Australian climate support outdoor activities, that’s why sports make largest part of Australian culture, hockey, netball, rugby rowing, tennis, swimming, cycling, cricket, horse racing etc are played at national and international level. Australia has hosted 2006 Commonwealth Games. Australia has also won Cricket World Cup Tournament in 2007.