AUSTRALIA COUNTRY FACTS

Programs Offered:

WISE Abroad offers internship programs in Sydney, New South Wales and Townsville, Queensland.  

About Australia:
Australia's diverse and contrasting geographic and cultural beauty, ranging from the tropical region of Queensland which harbors the Great barrier reef and starkly beautiful rainforests, the arid vast lands of the outback, charming modern cities in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria such as Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, its teeming and thriving wildlife, breath taking scenery, and its fascinating aboriginal culture, make it one of the most thought-out destinations in the world.

Townsville is located in Queensland, north east of Australia between Cairns and Mackay right at the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, the outback, and magnificent rain forests.  Townsville is home to James Cook University, and the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Magnetic Island, only 10 minutes by ferry from Townsville, boasts of excellent beaches, and snorkeling.  It is a sanctuary to the largest colony of koalas in the wild, and is also home to wallabies and other exotic wildlife.     

Location:
Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean

Population
19,913,144 (July 2004 est.)

Language
English

Religion
Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%, non-Christian 11%, other 12.6%

Government Type
Democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as sovereign

Economy:
Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West European economies. Rising output in the domestic economy has been offsetting the global slump, and business and consumer confidence remains robust. Australia's emphasis on reforms is another key factor behind the economy's strength. The impact of drought, weak foreign demand, and strong import demand pushed the trade deficit up to $14 billion in 2003 from $5 billion in 2002.

NOTE:  Please visit the CIA World FactBook for more country facts at:  http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
Source: CIA World FactBook