A concise overview of Australia’s geography, people, government and economy.
Quick facts
| Surface area | Approx. 7,692,000 km² |
|---|---|
| Population | 26,978,300 (January 2024) |
| Population density | 3.5 per km² |
| Official language | English (de facto) |
| Capital city | Canberra |
| Government | Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system |
| Monetary unit | Australian Dollar (AUD) |
Geography & Environment
Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country by land area, covering around 7.7 million square kilometres. It is both a country and a continent, bounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The geography includes arid deserts in the interior, fertile agricultural zones in the southeast, tropical rainforests in the north and vast coastlines stretching more than 25,000 kilometres.
The country is rich in natural resources and biodiversity, with unique ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef, tropical savannahs and bushland.
Population & Society
As of January 2024 Australia’s population stood at approximately 26.98 million. With a low density of about 3.5 people per square kilometre, most of the population lives in urban centres along the eastern and southeastern coasts, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Australia is a multicultural society with a mix of Indigenous peoples, descendants of European settlers, and more recent migrants from Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are recognised as the country’s first peoples and play a central role in its heritage and identity.
Language & Culture
English is the de facto national language and is used in government, education and business. More than 300 languages are spoken at home across Australia, reflecting its cultural diversity. Indigenous languages, though spoken by a smaller proportion of the population, are increasingly promoted and preserved through revitalisation efforts.
Australia is known globally for its vibrant cultural output in music, film, literature and sport, as well as for its outdoor lifestyle shaped by climate and natural environment.
Government & Political System
Australia is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The British monarch is the head of state, represented locally by the Governor-General, while legislative authority rests with the Federal Parliament in Canberra. Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The system is based on democratic principles, regular elections and strong public institutions, and is influenced by both British and federal traditions.
Economy & Currency
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the country’s monetary unit. Australia’s economy is advanced and diversified, with strong sectors in mining, energy, agriculture, services, education and finance. The country is a leading exporter of minerals, natural gas and agricultural products, while also maintaining a robust services sector and growing renewable energy industries.
Trade and investment ties are global, with strong connections across Asia–Pacific, North America and Europe.
Capital City - Canberra
Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), is the nation’s capital and the seat of the Federal Government. The city hosts Parliament House, the High Court and numerous national institutions such as the National Gallery and National Museum. It is a planned city designed to balance government, cultural and residential functions.
