Australia has a population of over 22 million, approximately 60% of which is concentrated in and around the mainland state capitals of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. The capital of Australia is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory.
Since Federation in 1901, Australia has maintained a stable democratic political system and remains one of the 16 sovereign Commonwealth states. This helps make Australia one of the safest places to live in the world.
Australia offers a high quality of life. Australia enjoys a low population density compared to many other developed countries, long life expectancy, and boasts one of the most pristine, unpolluted environments in the world.
As a modern, developed nation, Australia offers the full range of cultural and educational facilities that are accessible to all. Australian cities routinely rank among the world’s highest in terms of cultural offerings and quality of life. Australians are welcoming of people from other countries and culture, making Australia one of the most multicultural nations in the world.
Australia boasts an economy that has been driven by strong growth in industries such as mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, IT services, banking and financial services and commodity exports, just to name a few.
Australia has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world – 5.8% in August 2009, compared to the United States of America which had an unemployment rate of 9.7% during that same period. Despite the global financial crisis, Australia has excellent career opportunities, especially for skilled people.
As a country, Australia enjoys a stable democracy which is based on religious tolerance and freedom of speech and association.
A survey in 2008 found that the average Australian salary is approximately AU$46,000 p.a. and is likely to rise due to the ongoing skills shortage and an ageing population.
