There are some who live in tribes as nomads,
mainly in the Northern Territory and in Western Australia, and
others live a life which is similar to Gypsies.
Country isn't densely populated. There are only about 16 mil. inhabitants. This is so because large territories in the interior
of the country are difficult to live in they are dry. There is a
little rainfall there and so most people live along the
Southeastern coast.


Climate
The Australian climate varies from warm to subtropical. About
80% of Australian area suffers from drought and that is why there
are many deserts there.
Climate has been the most influential factor to decide where
people live - most live along the coastal areas where the soil is
fertile and temperatures more pleasant. The more inland you go,
the greater risk of bushfires, droughts and floods. Australia is
full of extremes!


Many species of animals live in Australia. The exploration of
their evolution is very interesting because for long prehistoric
periods the continent was quite isolated from others. In
Australian there are koala bears, dingoes, platypuses, emus,
kangaroos. . . Some animals were brought to Australia. There are
sheep and rabbits ( a big danger for farmers). There are also
ancalyptus there.


The big cities
SYDNEY - Throughout the years immigrants brought with their
traditions, so walking along s street in the centre of Sydney you
come across a Chinese restaurant, An Italian place, Greek shops
and the like. In the centre of Sydney there is Chinatown.
CANBERRA - the capital is quite different. It has the Parliament
House, High Court, and other important buildings.
QUEENSLAND - is called the "Sunshine state". There is the Gold
Coast which is a haven for suffers, beachbunapand and willious
of tourists.


Education
All students wear school uniform, expect those at university or
college. Education is compulsory starting at the age of 6 and
continuing to 15/16. Schooling is provided at kindergartens and
lay centres from 2 to 6 years of age.
Education is compulsory only until 15/16 (School Certificate)
or if students wish until 17/18 (Higher School Certificate -
they need it for university or college).


The economic situation
The economic situation used to be very good, especially in the
1980's but now there are great problems with unemployment which
rose to 11% in 1992, and also foreign debt.
Australia is an industrial and agriculture country. It's rich
in minerals (gold, silver, iron and other...). It exports meat,
milk products, wheat .. .