Located between 10° and 39° south latitude, Australia is the sixth largest nation in the world. It is the only nation to govern the entire continent and the outlying islands. Contained within that continent are six states and two territories. Its largest state, Western Australia, is roughly the same size as Western Europe. Australia is mostly dry as it has one of the lowest rainfall levels in the world. As a result of this, three quarters of the nation is arid or semi arid in nature.

Recent years have proven Australia to have one of the most outstanding economies in the world. This is due to a state of high growth, low inflation and a low interest rate economy. Existing within the Australian financial market is a flexible labor market and a highly competitive business sector. In addition to this, there is an efficient government managing the financial aspects of the country. The abundant physical resources of the country have provided for a high standard of living for residents. Australia has made sizable investments in the areas of education, training, social infrastructures, health and transport. The decentralized industrial relations system has provided for a surge in productivity. This allows Australian workers to have agreements present that meet their needs.

Australian residents share diverse backgrounds. The cultural makeup includes the indigenous people of Australia and settlers coming from all across the world. For this reason, immigration is a big factor in Australian society. There have been approximately six million people from over 200 various countries in the world make Australia home since 1945. This has greatly contributed to the modern day shaping of Australia. These migratory settlers comprise approximately one quarter of the total population for Australia. 70% of Australian people live in one of ten major cities in that nation. This makes Australia, indigenous people and settlers alike, one of the most urbanized places in the world.

Written by Douglas Stillson. Find the latest information on Australian Free Stuff. http://www.ratefreestuff.com/geo/australia/