Australia

By: Can Demirkol

Where is Australia?
Australia, one of the Oceania countries is located
between the South Pacific Ocean and the Indian
Ocean. This developed and one of the wealthiest
countries of the world covers a total of 7, 741, 220 sq.
km of area, making it the sixth largest countries of the
world. Australian territory beside its mainland include
Tasmania Island and many other smaller islands on the
Pacific Ocean.

Australian Flag

The Australian National Flag has three elements on a blue background: the
Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. The Union Jack in
the upper left corner (or canton) acknowledges the history of British
Settlement. Below the Union Jack is a white Commonwealth or Federation star.
It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories
of the Commonwealth of Australia. The star is also featured on the
Commonwealth Coat of Arms.

The Southern Cross is shown on the fly of the flag in white. This constellation of
five stars can be seen only from the southern hemisphere and is a reminder of
Australias geography.

Some facts about Australia:

1) It is the 6th largest country in the world, occupying an entire continent of some 7.6 million square
kilometres.
2) It has the world's 3rd largest ocean territory, spanning three oceans and covering around 12 million
square kilometres.
3) Vegetation covers nearly 7 million square kilometres or 91 percent of Australia.
4) The largest Greek population in the world beside Athens in Greece can be found in Melbourne
Victoria.
5) Most of Australia's exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
6) The only nation-continent of 20 million people in the world.
7) The wattle was adopted as the national floral emblem in 1912.
8) More than 80 percent of Australians live within 100 kilometres of the coast making Australia one of
the world's most urbanised coastal dwelling populations.
9) The kangaroo is one of Australias most iconic animals, and most species are endemic to Australia.

National Celebrations
Here are some national days celebrated in Australia:

Australia Day
Anzac Day
Queens Birthday
Boxing Day

Canberra Day

and many more...

Australia Day

Australia Day is on January 26 and commemorates the establishment of the first European
settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788. It is an opportunity for
Australians to come together to celebrate their country and culture. There are reflections
on the achievements of the nation and explorations of way to make the country even
better in the future.

Many people have a day off work and use the day to picnic in a park, to go shopping or to
play or to watch sports events. In some places, particularly Lake Burley Griffin,
spectacular public fireworks displays are held. In addition, the Australian of the Year
Awards are presented. These are awards for Australians who have made an outstanding
contribution to their country or community.

In some towns and cities, citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day. These are
ceremonies to welcome immigrants to the country who have been granted Australian
citizenship. Although official, these ceremonies often have a festive atmosphere.

Famous Places
Sydney Opera House
Uluru
Heart Reef
Port Arthur

Resources

http://www.freeworldmaps.net/australia/location.gif
http://www.mapsofworld.com/australia/location-map.html
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/Flag_of_Australia.svg/128
0px-Flag_of_Australia.svg.png
http://www.weekendnotes.com/interesting-facts-about-australia/
http://www.australia.com/explore/australian-events/culture-events.aspx
http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/flag.cfm
http://www.dailyroxette.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Sydney_Opera_House
_-_Dec_2008.jpg
http://www.wickedcampers.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/uluru5_bi
g.jpg
http://airliebeachonline.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Heli-Reef-heart-re
ef.jpg
http://www.australianlandmarks.com.au/lists/australian-landmarks-top-10-list
http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/59/96059-004-665D1D49.jpg