Official name of country: Commonwealth of Australia
Population: 21 million
Capital City: Canberra
Time Difference: Australia has three time zones: Western, Central, and Eastern Standard Time. Sydney is on EST and is +10 GMT, so it is 14 hours ahead of the US east coast and 17 hours ahead of the US west coast.
National Anthem: Advance Australia Fair
National Bird: Emu
National Currency: Australian Dollar
National Sport: Cricket
Demographics: Although there are over 20 million people in Australia, the majority of the population is immigrants. English is the main language spoken even though there are over 100 different ethnic groups represented within the country. Immigrants from places like the UK, Ireland, India, Greece, Vietnam, and the Philippines all call Australia home. The many cultures of Australia are sure to offer a unique experience abroad!
Geography: As the sixth largest country in the world, Australia is found just south of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Within the country are six states and two primary territories. The majority of the country is made up of deserts, but you will find tropical rainforests in the north and of course, beautiful beaches all along the coast. Being south of the equator, seasons in Australia are opposite from that of the US. Thus, summer begins in December and winter starts in June. Overall, the climate in Australia is moderate with temperatures never falling into extreme categories.
Famous People: Cate Blanchett (actress), Hugh Jackman (actor), Elle MacPherson (model), Men at Work (rock band), Kylie Minogue (singer), and Patrick White (author).
Great Movies: Rabbit Proof Fence; Crocodile Dundee; Finding Nemo; Australia; Shine; The Man from Snowy River.