Interesting Facts about Australia

Australia (officially the Commonwealth of Australia) is a country in the Southern Hemisphere. Here are some interesting facts about Australia.

* Australia is the sixth largest country by total area. However, the population is relatively small. Only 21.7 million people live in Australia.

* 60% of the population is concentrated in five capital cities- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

* Australia was originally called ÑNew South Wales

* Australia is well known for its strong international sporting teams. Australians have very strong teams in cricket, hockey, netball, rugby league, rugby union, cycling, rowing and swimming.

* The most popular sports in Australia are Australian Rules Football, rugby league and soccer (football).

* Well known Australian actors include Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackson, Heath Ledger, Russell Crowe, Geoffrey Rush, Naomi Watts and Cate Blanchett.

* Sydney is the most populous city in Australia.

* Almost 800,000 Australians live outside Australia.

* English is the most spoken language in Australia. It is the only language spoken in over 80% of Australian homes.

* In the 2006 census, 64% of the population were listed as Christian. However, weekly attendance in church services is very low. Only 7.5% of the population attend church services weekly.

* Australia largest export markets are Japan, China, the United States, South Korea and New Zealand.

* Australia has 755 species of reptiles.

* Australias carbon dioxide emissions per person is one of the highest in the world.

* The armed forces of Australia- the Australian Defence Force (ADF)- consists of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

* Australia is one of the founding members of the United Nations.

* There are six states and two territories in Australia. Each state and territory has its own parliament that makes laws.

* Voting in elections is compulsory for all Australians that are 18 years or older.

* The High Court of Australia is the highest court in Australia.

* The official currency is the Australian dollar.

* There are about 500,000 indigenous Australians (also called Aboriginals) living in Australia.

source: wanttoknowit.com

Top 10 Countries for New Year Festivities

United States - The New York Times Square ball drop is a staple New Years celebration. New Yorkers just know how to party.


Canada - Fireworks over the breath-taking Niagara Falls make Canada a tourist hot spot. Don't forget about Clifton Hills, for great entertainment and music.



France - The City of lights is one of the best places to be during New Years. It features extravagant monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elyse'es and the Arc de Triomphe.


United Kingdom - The London Parade features music, celebrities, clowns and spectacular fireworks display. The scenery of the London Bridge and Big Ben is one of the best.


Australia - This is to Australians, what the New York City Times Square Drop is to Americans. The Sydney New Years Eve celebration is located along Sydney Harbour and always draws out millions of guests.


Brazil - Rio de Janeiro is arguably the best celebration. On New Year's Eve, the whole of Brazil turns into one neighborhood Beach Block Party. The summer of Brazil adds to the festivities.


Iceland - Despite being winter and the country being bankrupt, Icelanders know how to ring in the New Year. Reykjavik is the city to be in. Festivities begin with a Mass and residents attend Church. This is then followed by great entertainment and celebrations.


India - If you're going to party in Asia, it better be in Goa, India. The festivities on a romantic beach and a 3-day street party called Hill Top, make Goa a perfect place for couples.


Spain - In spain New Years celebrations consist of non-stop partying and drinking. Hot spots include Barcelona, where people spill into the streets and dance the night away.


Japan - Japanese ring in the New Year with firey fireworks and the ringing of Temple Bells and religious prayer. Japanese actually start celebrating New Years on the 29th of December.

Source: blog.leximo.org