History
Australia was the last great landmasds to be discovered by the Europeans. It has been inhabited for at least 50,000 years. It is believed that the ancestors of Aborigines journeyed from Indonesia to the Australian Mainland more than 50,000 years ago. When Sydney Cove was first settled by Whites, around 200 years ago, there were about 300,000 Aborigines in Australia. Without any leagal right to the lands they once lived on, Aborigines throughout the country were dispossesed by Whites. Captaain James Cook i s popularly credited with Australia's discovery, but it was probably a Portuguese who first sighted the country. Then this place became a place for British convicts.
Geography
Australia is the world's sixth largest country. Its area is 7,682,300 sq. km. Lying between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia is about 4000 km from east to weest and 3200 mk from north to south, with a coastline about 36,000 long.
Population and People
Australia's population is about 17 million, with New South Wales and Victoria as the most populous states. There are about 230,000 Aborigines and Islanders, mainly living in central Australia and the far north. Until WW II Australians were predominantly o f British and Irish descent but that has changed dramatiocally since the war. Australia is now a multicultural country with people from many countries in the world, notably from Europe and Asia.
Government
Australia is a federation of six states and two territories. It has a parliamentary system of government based on that of the UK. In Federal parliament, the lower house is the House Of Representatives and the upper house is the Senate. Federal parliament is based in Canberra, the capital of the nation. Australia is a monarchy with the British sovereign represented by the Goverrnor General and state governors.
Language
Official language is Australian english, but people from different background speak their own languages making it the multi-lingual country.
Visas
Every visitor excpet New Zealanders need to have visa to enter Australia. Visa application forms are available from either Australian diplomatic missions overseas or travel agents. There are several different types of visas, depending on the reason for yo ur visit.
Money
Australia's currency is Australian dollar, which comprises 100 cnets. There are coins for 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 and paper notes for $5, $10, $20, 450 and $100. You can use travellers' Cheques and any credti cards.
Customs
There is the usual duty-free per-person quota of one litre of alcohol, 250 cigarettes and durable goods up to the value of A$400. All goods of plant and animal origin must be declared.
Business hours
Most shops are open 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays and either noon or 5pm on Saturday. In most towns there are one or two late night shoppings each week. There are 24 hour shops as well like 7-eleven and bottle shops. Banking hour is 9.30-4.00 from monday to Thursday and until 5 pm onn friday.
Electricity
Voltage is 220-240 V and the plugs are three-flat-pins.
Time
Australia has three time zones: Western Standard Time(GMT+8.00), central Standard time(GMT+9.5) and eastern Standard time(GMT+10.0). Some states observes day light savings.
Emergency
Ring 000 in any life threatening situation. This call is free from any phone and can be used anywhere in Australia.
