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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is the world’s sixth-largest country, spanning the entire Australian continent, Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Its expansive landmass of 7.7 million square kilometers makes it the largest nation in Oceania. Known for being the flattest and driest inhabited continent, Australia offers a range of diverse landscapes, from arid deserts in the interior to tropical rainforests along the coast.
The country’s history stretches back over 50,000 years, with the ancestors of Aboriginal Australians arriving from Southeast Asia during the last glacial period. By the time British settlers arrived, the Aboriginal population spoke over 250 distinct languages, contributing to one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Australia’s written history began with Dutch exploration in the 17th century, followed by British colonization in 1788 with the establishment of the penal colony of New South Wales.
Throughout the 19th century, European settlers expanded across the continent, and by 1901, the colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Over time, the country gained increasing autonomy from the United Kingdom, culminating in the Australia Acts of 1986, which marked the final step in Australia’s independence.
Australia is home to a thriving, multicultural society with a diverse population of 27.8 million. It is also one of the world’s wealthiest nations, with a GDP of $1.8 trillion in 2024. The country’s economy is highly developed, with key sectors including services, mining, agriculture, and tourism. Despite its vast size, Australia remains one of the most urbanized countries in the world, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane being major metropolitan hubs.
Today, Australia is renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation, its strong economy, and its reputation as a stable and prosperous democracy. The nation continues to play a pivotal role on the global stage, balancing its rich cultural heritage with modern innovation and global leadership.