Australia continues to dominate the top slots in the World Wide Quality of Life surveys. No wonder. With spectacular landscapes varying from sun-baked horizons to dense tropical rainforests. Scattered along its coastline, Australian cities subtly blend a laid back love of the outdoors with a European enthusiasm for art and food. With world-class education and research institutions, excellent health care services, rich natural resources, stable economic and political environment, and freedom of every individual's cultural and religious expression, Australian citizens enjoy a high quality of life.
Quick Facts
With a robust economy, Australia is one of the fastest growing economies in the Organization For Economic Co-operation and Development.
Main language: English
Religion: Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish
Location: Oceania
Area: 7,686,850 sq km (total)
Arable land: 6.88%
Capital: Canberra
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Major products/industries: Minerals, oil, coal, gold, wool, cereals, meat
Climate
Due to its size, Australia experiences a variety of climates, ranging from below zero temperatures in the Snowy Mountains, to intolerable heat in the North-West. It is considered to be one of the driest continents on earth.
An egalitarian Society
Australia possesses a government system based on the liberal democratic tradition, which consists of religious tolerance and freedom of speech. Following Australia's federation in 1901, the 6 former colonies (now states) opted for a written constitution with a relationship between the national and state governments similar to that of the United States. At the same time, they chose to retain the Westminster model as the basis for the legislature, executive government and judiciary. This blend of 2 democratic traditions is now uniquely Australian.
Government type: Democratic, federal-state system
Administrative divisions: 6 states - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria & Western Australia; 2 territories - Australian Capital Territory & Northern Territory
Legal system: Based on English common law
Voting: Universal and compulsory voting from 18 years of age in federal & state elections
Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, represented by the Governor General
Head of Government: Prime Minister John Howard, elected October 2004 [Liberal]. Government in Australia is three-tiered - Commonwealth (or Federal), State and Local.
Elections: National general elections must be held every 3 years
Exotic blend of nationalities
Native Australians have inhabitated the continent for the past 60,000 years. It was not until the late 18th century that Australia was colonized by the British. By World War II, the population reached 7 million. In the mid-forties, a migration programme was introduced and today, Australia is truly a land of the cosmopolitan culture, with over 6 million migrants from Europe, Asia & Africa.
A Healthy Australia
With an average life expectancy of 80 years and a low infant mortality rate of 4.83 deaths per 1000 births, Australians enjoy some of the best health standards in the world. In addition, Australia has stringent measures in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as SARS and tuberculosis.
Cost of Living
According to the 2004 Annual Cost of Living, the cost of living in the cities of Australia is among the cheapest of the major cities in the world. As with most countries, housing in the major cities is generally more expensive, but property can be found at very reasonable prices outside the large urban areas.
Resilient economy
Still the lucky country, Australia has avoided the late 1990s Asian economic crisis and the current depression (2001 - 2002) throughout the rest of the developed world.
Economic Benefits
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Free/Heavily Subsidized Medical Care -covering regular hospital services, medical consultation prescription drugs. |
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Free primary and secondary education and heavily subsidized tertiary education fees. |
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Federal subsidy - A$7,000/- for buying your first home. |
Government assistance for low income family with child(ren)
Please visit Centrelink
for more information.
Financial and employment status of migrants
Statistics have shown that skilled and business migrants have faired well in Australia and have attained an above average income and employment in Australian, particularly in the past few years.
One of the best social security systems in the world
Please visit Centrelink
for more information.
Australians are generally easy going people and who would be forthcoming in extending their welcome to you. If only you give yourself the chance, this truly relaxed and easy going lot of "blokes" will make you feel right at home; with an open mind, you will indeed find it very easy to integrate into this truly multicultural society.
Free clean, fresh air, plus the world most beautiful beaches and scenaries thrown in.
Most of All - You've been there .and experienced Australia's lifestyle, food, climate, clean fresh air, the most beautiful beaches and scenery. How about making Australia your home and securing a better life and future for you and your family?
Act Now!!! |
