LocationIndian/Pacific Oceans.
Area7,686,850 sq km (2,967,909 sq miles).
Population21.2 million (official estimate 2007).
Population Density2.8 per sq km.
CapitalCanberra.
Population: 323,700 (2007).
GovernmentConstitutional Monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1901.
LanguageThe official language is English. Many other languages are retained by minorities, including Italian, German, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese dialects and Aboriginal languages.
Religion27% Roman Catholic,
21% Protestant and smaller minorities of all other major religions.
TimeAustralia spans three time zones:
GMT + 10 (GMT + 11 from October to March, except Queensland; starts a month earlier in Tasmania).
GMT + 9.5 (GMT + 10.5 from October to March, except Northern Territory).
GMT + 8 (GMT + 9 from October to March, three-year trial in Western Australia until 2009 followed by referendum).
Some states operate daylight saving time during the Australian summer.
Electricity220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adaptor socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels.
Head of GovernmentPrime Minister Kevin Rudd since 2007. All individual states and territories have their own autonomous legislative, executive and judicial systems (though certain powers remain under the jurisdiction of the federal government).
Head of StateHM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Michael Jeffery since 2003.
Recent HistoryIn November 2007 elections, after almost 12 years of conservative rule, the public voted out the Liberal Party coalition and gave the Australian Labor Party (ALP) a decisive win. The mandate taken to the electorate by the ALP will mean some significant changes in the direction of the country. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd swiftly set about signing the Kyoto Protocol, investing more in alternate energy sources, issuing an official parliamentary apology to Australia’s indigenous population and overturning hardline industrial relation laws introduced by the previous government.
The country’s foreign policy is set to continue to be geared to the strengthening of economic and political links with the countries of the Asian Pacific Rim and the affirmation of existing links with the USA. Although Australia was a willing participant in the 2003 invasion and occupation of Iraq, the new government is expected to withdraw its troops in mid 2008.
TelephoneCountry code: 61.
Most payphones have International Direct Dialling (IDD) and Subscriber Trunk Dial (STD). Phonecards are available at newsagents, supermarkets and chemists and can be used for local, STD or international calls. Most payphones also accept coins. SMS text messages to Australian mobiles can be sent from almost half of all payphones.
Creditphones, which take most major credit cards, can be found at airports, city-center locations and many hotels. Multimedia payphones are available in parts of Melbourne and Sydney. A touch screen allows visitors to gain access to information services, including tourist information which can be printed off for future reference. Phonecards for these telephones can be purchased from nearby shops.
Mobile TelephoneRoaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in and around populated areas; access in some of the more isolated, outback and rural areas is limited. US handsets are not compatible.
InternetAvailable throughout Australia. Internet cafes are prevalent in all capital cities and tourist towns, and individual hotels may also provide facilities. Wi-Fi access is increasing in cities and is mainly found in hotels, bars and cafes.
MediaAustralia’s media scene is diverse and thriving. There is a long history of public broadcasting, but also many private TV and radio stations. Ownership of both print and broadcast media is highly concentrated. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) operates national and local public radio and TV stations. The other main broadcaster is the Multicultural Special Broadcasting Service (SBS).
PostThere are post offices in all the main towns of every state. Stamps are often available at hotel and motel reception areas and selected newsagents.
Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; some post office are also open Sat 0900-1200.
Press• The main daily newspapers are
The Australian and
Australian Financial Review.
• Newspapers generally have a high circulation throughout the continent.
Radio• ABC is a public radio broadcaster that operates speech-cultural network
Radio National, rolling news station
ABC NewsRadio, youth-oriented
Triple J, classical and contemporary music network,
ABC Classic FM and local-regional services.
• Radio Australia is ABC’s external service.
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.
2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
26 Jan Australia Day.
10-13 Apr Easter.
25 Apr ANZAC Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.
2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
26 Jan Australia Day.
2-5 Apr Easter.
25 Apr ANZAC Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.
NoteNationwide holidays only. If these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, a day may be given in lieu. There are numerous individual state holidays – see individual state sections for details.
Contact Information:NoteAddresses of Tourist Representatives for individual states can be found at the head of each state entry.
Australian High Commission in the UKAustralia House, Strand, London WC2B 4LA, UK
Tel: (020) 7379 4334
or 09065 508 900 (immigration and citizenship enquiries; calls cost £1 per minute).
Website:
www.uk.embassy.gov.auOpening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (general); 0900-1100 (visa and immigration); 0930-1530 (passport).
Tourism Australia in the UKAustralia Center, Australia House, 6th Floor, Melbourne Place, Strand, London WC2B 4LG, UK
Tel: (020) 7438 4601.
Website:
www.australia.comEmbassy of Australia in the USA1601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 797 3000
or 1 888 990 8888 (visa information line).
Website:
www.austemb.orgTourism Australia in the USA6100 Center Drive, Suite 1150, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
Tel: (310) 695 3200.
Website:
www.australia.com
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