1. Ch. 26- Australia “The Land Down Under” Country and continent No island- Why?- too large

2. Australia continued Smallest continent in the world Greenland- largest island Australia- 6 th largest country in the world Size- continental US Oldest continent in the world Deserts and grasslands Very flat, low elevation- erosion Great Barrier Reef- 1,250 miles long- coral- rocklike material formed from skeletons- small sea animals

3. Australia continued Great Dividing Range Along Pacific coast Major rivers- Murray and Darling SE- fertile soil Australian Alps- Mt. Kosciusko- highest peak- 7,300 feet Central Lowlands- pastureland Outback- remote inland regions Dry grasslands Stations- sheep and cattle ranches Water scarce

4. Australia continued Great Artesian Basin Water- deep underground- drill wells- irrigation Western Plateau- ¾ Australia- deserts- minerals- abundance Climate- dry grasslands- tropical climate- equator- warm summers, mild winters Animals and Plants- kangaroos and koalas Native to Australia Marsupials- mammals- carry young- pouch

5. Australia continued Exotic animals Platypus, dingoes, wombats Eucalyptus- plant eaten by koala The Economy Export mineral resources- trade with US, Japan, and UK- tourism Agriculture- dry- not good for farming Wheat- main crop Sugar cane, fruits, vegetables Grazing- Australia- #1- wool production

6. Australia continued 1901- British colonies united Formed Commonwealth of Australia 7 states Gov’t- parliamentary democracy Most people live in cities Sydney and Melbourne- largest cities Canberra- capital Bush- remote rural area- dirt roads

7. Australia continued Mining Mid-1800’s- gold discovered Zinc, coal, uranium Pop.- 18.7 million 1 st Australians- Aborigines Came from Asia- hunters and gatherers Captain James Cook British- claims Australia- 1700’s- colony for prisoners