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Apart from being
one of the oldest continents,
Australia is also the flattest and smallest one. The country has a
population of about 19 million people, which gives a population density of
2.3 people per square kilometer. However, 70% of the population lives in
the big cities.
Australia became a commonwealth
of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its
natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing
industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World
Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly
depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal
areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change
Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to
an independent republic, was defeated in 1999.
Australia is divided into six states -
New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia
and Tasmania - and two territories; the Australian Capital Territory and
the Northern Territory. The states and territories each have a capital
city, flag, and even their own flora and fauna emblems.
Australia is also responsible for administering
seven external territories: Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling)
Island, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands Territory, the
Territory of Heard Island, Coral Sea Islands Territory, the sub Antarctic
McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory.
State governments are modelled
on the British Westminster system. Each state has a premier who is the
leader of the political party on power. All states have an executive
council consisting of the governor, state premier, and selected ministers.
State parliaments deal with domestic affairs such as education, transport,
law enforcement, health services and agriculture as well as sharing mutual
responsibilities with the federal parliament.
The powers and responsibilities of local governments vary from state to
state, however they encompass community matters such as urban planning,
roads, water resources, parks and recreation grounds, and public
libraries.
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