2. Characteristics Only continent that consists of one country Largest proportion of desert One of the lowest population densities in the world Only areas near the coast have enough rainfall to sustain large populations Today, most Australians live in the narrow coastal strip extending from Brisbane to Adelaide 86% of Australians live in towns that have populations of more than 1000 Income from Australian exports has made our standard of living high Indigenous people were the only inhabitants until 1788 They lived in Australia for at least 50000 years before white settlers arrived Britain settled in Australia as a prison colony (1788) As British migrants increased, indigenous people decreased Australia is very ethnically diverse, since 1945 immigration has increased from countries such as Greece, Italy and Asia

3. Much of Australia’s growth occurs in cities that have a population of 1000+ people The fastest growing are usually on the outskirts of capital cities New suburbs grown into areas that were previously used for farming As populations grow new amenities are built/opened e.g. shops, schools, medical services and sporting facilities