Australia

Boosted by the domestic demand, the Australian economy has been experiencing a sustained growth for many years. This growth is likely to go on, 3.2% in 2006 according to the IMF. GDP growth rate in 2003 was 3.8%, it was 3% in 2004 and was 2.2% in 2005. The unemployment rate historically is low (5.1% in 2005), and the public debt has reached its lowest lever since 20 years, accounting for 39% of GDP. Australia currently has to face two challenges : its population ageing and its currency rise which weakens its competitivity, especially in Asia.

Australia's commercial balance traditionnally is negative : the country actually exports raw materials and imports finished products. Australia's main trade partner is the European Union which represented 23% of the market share in 2005, the other principal partners are the United states, Japan and China. Products belonging to food, chemical, paramedical and interior decoration sectors fall in the priviledged category.
The main export partners are Japan, the United-States and the New-Zealand. Australia exports mainly mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation.

Population

Main Cities Population Sydney   3,700,000   Melbourne   3,189,000   Brisbane   1,500,000   Perth   1,239,000   Adelaide   1,075,000   Canberra   328,000   Total population (millions): 20.1 Source: World Bank 2004   Urban population: 92% Source: World Bank 2004   Average annual population growth: 1.2% Source: World Bank 2004   Surface area (km²) : 7,741,220   Population origin Origin of the population % Of the population Native European 94.8 Asian 4 Aboriginal 2 Other 0.2

Languages Official language: English Spoken languages: English, Aboriginal dialects, and numerous other languages resulting from immigration such as Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Turkish... Business language: English (British).   Free translation tools in Australia :

Religion Religious practises : Anglicans 26.1% Catholics 26% Others 47.9%.

Political system Australia is a Federation of States* within the British Commonwealth and it is a parliamentary monarchy system. The Queen of England is the Head of State, and she is represented by the Governor General. The Federal Parliament is a Parliament composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The members of the two chambers are elected every three years. The Australian Labour Party (ALP) is the former ruling party. The ruling parties are the Liberal Party (LP) and the National Party (NP), both conservative oriented. Capital City: Canberra General Governor: Sir Peter Hollingworth, since June 2001 Prime Minister: John Howard, since March 11, 1996.

Climate

 

Tourism

Number of visitors in Australia 2002 2003 2004 World rank Number of visitors (1000) 4420   4354   ..   n.a. Source : World Tourisme Organization, data available in November 2005

 

Tourist sites -The Southeast region is well-known for its forests, its coasts and its extinct volcanos. -The city of Adelaide is also appreciated for its modernism. -The Kangaroo island should be visited for its fauna and flora. For more information about tourism in Australia , check out the following web site(s) : Australian Tourist Commission

Food Traditional dishes Australian Cheesecake Australian Dinkum Chili: Australian Chili with bacon, beef and pork flavoured with cumin, garlic, hot pepper and onions. Chicken with basil sauce. Curried Mussels with Mushrooms. Kangaroo Escalopes with Spinach and Anchovy Butter. Octopus Salad Anzac Biscuits: cookies Strawberry Meringue Pudding.   Food-related taboos Culinary taboos vary with religions.