Australian Vocabulary Great Barrier Reef Outback Station Marsupial Boomerang Bush Tasmania Great Dividing Range Rain Shadow Parliamentary Democracy Prime Minister Canberra Aussie

Australia: The Land  Australia is both a continent & a single country. Sixth largest country in the world and smallest continent.  Mostly flat with desert mid region called the Outback. The Great Dividing Range runs down the continent's eastern edge.  Two major rivers the Murray and Darling rivers drain southern Australia.  Tasmania is Australia’s largest island.

Lies along northern coast World’s largest coral reefs and home to exotic fish and sea creatures. Popular tourist attraction that helps to boost Australia’s economy.

Australia’s Animals  Has many indigenous animals that can only be found in this region.  Best known for Kangaroos & Koalas.  Home to the world’s only egg-laying mammal the duck-billed platypus.  Being isolated and surrounded by water has kept animals from migrating to other places.

Australia’s Climate One of the driest continents in the world. Mostly desert climate that is hot & dry. Western coast receives little to no rain fall from the Pacific Ocean. Mountains form a rain shadow that block moisture from the interior. Rain shadow is formed when air moves over the windward of a mountain range dropping moisture and precipitation which leaves the leeward side dry.

 Land not conducive for farming. Irrigation necessary to grow crops such as sugar cane and fruits and vegetables.  Instead of crops, Australia’s economy depends on vast sheep and cattle ranches called stations.  World’s top producer and exporter of wool.  Mines also dot Australia’s landscape where minerals are mined to be sold on the world market.

Australia’s Government In 1901, Australia became a commonwealth. Australia has six states and two territories. Australia has a British style parliamentary democracy. A prime minister is head of the government the British Monarchy is the ceremonial leader. Many would like for it to become a republic and free itself of British influence.

Most of the population lives in major industrial cities along the coast. More than 90% urban. Sydney and Melbourne are Australia’s largest cities. Canberra is the capitol of Australia and was built to draw people to the interior and outback region of Australia. Most people who live in Australia speak English and refer to themselves as “Aussies”.