Do you know what the capital of Australia is? And how many states the country is divided into? Apart from the kangaroo, what other animals live there? Here are 10 amazing facts about Australia!
A Australia is a country that awakens our curiosity. With an area of almost 8 million km², Australia has the English as their native language, is entirely surrounded by sea and occupies almost all of its continent, Oceania.
Many people have questions about Australia, such as which is the country's capital (here's a hint: no is Sydney!), what the Australian states are, what nature is like there and much more.
Below are 10 interesting facts about Australia that you need to know!
1. Australia's capital is not Sydney
Sydney is one of Australia's most famous cities. It is famous for being a large metropolis and for having postcards such as the Sydney Opera House. But, contrary to what many people think, Sydney is not the capital.
The capital of Australia is Canberra! It's not exactly a small city - it's the 8th most populous in the country. Canberra was designed and chosen as the capital because it is not on the coast and is therefore less susceptible to possible enemy attacks.
But here's another curiosity: Canberra only became Australia's capital in 1927. Before that, Melbourne was the capital.
2. Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world to live in
There's a lot to know about Melbourne - and you can check them out here. But one of the most important is: Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world to live in!
The Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index assessed the quality of life in 173 cities around the world in 2022. And Melbourne came 10th!
Want to know which other Australian cities are great to live in? Here are the best cities to live in Australia!
3. Australia is divided into 8 states and territories
A Australia is in Oceania and occupies practically the entire continent. The country is divided into eight regions, including states and territories. They are:
- New South Wales (where Sydney is, for example)
- Northern Territory
- Queensland (where Brisbane)
- South Australia (whose capital is Adelaide)
- Tasmania
- Victoria (where Melbourne is located)
- Western Australia
- Australian Capital Territory (where Canberra is located)
4. Each Australian region can have its own legislation
The rules that apply in one state may not apply in others. That's right: Each Australian state or region has its own constitution, government and laws.
The rules for obtaining a driver's licensefor example, can vary slightly depending on the region. That's why, if you decide to live in Australia, it's important to research the state you've chosen.
5. Australia has almost 11,000 beaches
Australia has 8 million square kilometers surrounded by sea - there are almost 11,000 beaches in the country!
No wonder, Australia is one of the countries with the largest coastal population in the worldThe population (almost 20 million people) lives less than 50 km from the coast.
6. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world
If you visit the Tasmaniatake a deep breath! About 1/3 of this region is covered by a national park or by territories protected as heritage sites. That's why the air there is as pure as in Antarctica.
If you like hiking and getting in touch with nature, Tasmania is certainly the ideal destination for you!
7. Australia has 60 wine regions, but no alcoholic beverages are sold in supermarkets
It even seems like a contradiction: the Australia has one of the highest drinking populations in the world (there are more than 60 wine regions, as well as good beer production), but the Australian states are strict about the sale of alcoholic beverages. Around there, supermarkets cannot sell these products.
Wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages may only be sold by authorized stores or bars.
8. Australia's fauna is very rich, and many animals only live in this country
Australia's fauna goes far beyond kangaroos and the koalasThey are symbols of the country. From snakes to birds, you can come into contact with animals of all kinds, whether in zoos (such as Wild Life in Sydney), parks or on trails.
What's more, 80% of Australia's fauna is made up of animals that only live there! This is the case with the classic kangaroos (there are over 50 million of them!) and koalas, but also the platypus, Tasmanian devil, black swan and quokka.
9. Australia has the largest reef in the world
Marine life in Australia is also extremely rich. Fans of Pixar movies will remember that the little fish in "Finding Nemo" live on a reef in Australia - and no wonder.
The Great Barrier Reef, in the northeast of the country, is the largest living organism on Earth - you can even see it from space!
This ecosystem is 2,300 km long, has 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs.
10. Australia was the first country to allow women to vote
Australia made history by being the first independent nation to allow women to votein 1902 - just a year after it gained its independence and ceased to be a colony.
But, of course, this didn't happen overnight. In the 1890s, the suffragette movement gained momentum: every colony in Australia had at least one group of women protesting for their right to participate in political decisions.
Want to know more about Australia and even how to move to the country? Talk to the experts at Good Day!
Sources consulted:
https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/about-australia/cities-states-and-territories.html
https://www.travelnation.co.uk/blog/10-interesting-facts-about-australia-that-may-surprise-you
https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/australia-facts
https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/top-10-facts/top-10-facts-about-australia/
