This is the Australian flag. It is red, white and blue. In the top left
corner, is the Union Jack which is the British flag.
The Union Jack is on the Australian flag because Australia used to be a
British colony and is presently still a member of the British
Commonwealth.
The stars represent the Southern Cross which is a star formation
visible in the southern hemisphere. The big seven pointed star (underneath
the Union Jack) represents the seven states and territories that make up
Australia. |
 Australia is located in the south-eastern hemisphere. It is an island,
in fact, the biggest island in the world. To the north is Indonesia, which
is made up of many islands, and New Guinea. To the west is the vast Indian
Ocean. To the south of Australia is the Pacific Ocean, and if you go far enough
south, Antartica. To the east of Australia, there are more Pacific
islands including the major islands that make up New Zealand.
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Australia is the world's largest island, being completely surrounded by
water.
Sydney is located on the east coast and is bordered by the Pacific
Ocean.
Perth is on the west coast which is on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The land mass of Australia is roughly the same size as the continental
United States - just in a different shape. However, Australia only has
18 million people compared to 260 million in the United States. So you
can imagine there is lots of empty land.
The land and the climate varies greatly, from rainforests in the north,
desert in the middle to the temperate south.
A multicultural country, Australia has large European and Asian populations
with many languages in wide usage. However, Australia's official language
is English and Aboriginal languages are still spoken in Aboriginal communities.
Many sports are played in Australia. Cricket is popular in the summer
and Australian rules Football in the Winter. Being surrounded by water,
sailing, swimming and surfing are also popular past times.
SYDNEY - Capital
of New South Wales
Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city. It is also home to the famous
opera house. Sydney will be home of the 2000 Summer Olympics.
PERTH - Captial
of Western Australia
Perth is the most isolated capital city in the world. It's nearest Australian
city is Adelaide, some 2,000 miles east across the Nullabor plain.
