There are many fun facts out there about Australia. Officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, it is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Geographic regions of Australia drastically differ from one another. Australia has rainforests, deserts, coastal regions, tropical and temperate forests and is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Most of the population of Australia is concentrated on the eastern and southeastern coastal regions.
1. Sixth largest country
Australia is the sixth largest country in terms of total territory. Australia is comprised of the mainland, Tasmania, as well as over 8,000 smaller islands. Australia has the 12th largest economy in the world.
2. Do you mine?
The percentage of mines covering Australia’s land mass is 0.02%. However, mining continues to be a vital industry in Australia. Some of the largest quantities of minerals and precious metals are: iron ore, nickel, Bauxite/aluminum, copper, gold, silver and uranium. Additionally, coal mining and natural gas play a very significant part in Australia’s industry.
3. Spiders!
Australian spiders come in more than 1500 different species, including many that are poisonous. Though Australia has these poisonous spiders none of them have ever bitten or killed a human being. Redback Spiders are among the most common types. They are so popular there is even a beer in Australia named after them. The Redback Spider is actually related to the Black Widow Spider and the two types of spiders even look somewhat alike. Redback Spider bites are toxic if they come from a female of the species. Male Redback Spider bites are non -toxic. The Sydney Funnel Spider is exclusive to Sydney, Australia and is among the 36 species of funnel-web spiders found there. This is the most dangerous spider in all of Australia.
4. Itsy bitsy Australian inhabitants
There are more than 6000 species of flies in Australia and roughly 350 species of termites.
5. Australia’s little devil
The Tasmanian Devil is a real animal that can be found in Australia. Its jaw is as strong as that of a crocodile and is about the size of a small dog. Of all the carnivorous marsupials, this little devil is the largest. There is an area in Australia called Tasmania and it has cleaner air than any other place in the entire world.
6. Sheep
Sheep came to Australia in 1788, from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Today, there are more sheep in Australia than there are people. Australia has only 20 million people living there but 150 million sheep that call it their home.
7. Beautiful sky in the Outback
The Australian Outback is a popular location for stargazing. This is because in viewing conditions that are ideal the naked human eye can spot as many as 5,780 stars in the sky. One of the main reasons that stargazing is so stellar is because of the lack of pollution in the non-urban areas.
8. Snow days
Australia does see snow every year and the snow covers an area that is larger than Switzerland is in its entirety. The Australian Alps are located in the southeast region of Australia and is the highest mountain range in the country. Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales are all areas in southeast Australia that experience snow fall. Winter in Australia is from June to August, so if you’re looking to ski Australian’s Alps, plan accordingly!
9. Golfers’ paradise
Avid golfers will want to travel to Australia because it is the home of the longest golf course in the world. This golf course measures greater than 850 miles in length.
These fun and interesting facts about Australia are only the tip of the iceberg. Australia can be a fascinating place for people to visit because there is so much to see and do there. Many Americans travel to Australia every year to explore and learn all that they can about this fascinating place.
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