Page last updated on December 17, 2013

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Prehistoric settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia at least 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession of the east coast in the name of Great Britain (all of Australia was claimed as British territory in 1829 with the creation of the colony of Western Australia). Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the Allied effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has become an internationally competitive, advanced market economy due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s and its location in one of the fastest growing regions of the world economy. Long-term concerns include aging of the population, pressure on infrastructure, and environmental issues such as floods, droughts, and bushfires. Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth, making it particularly vulnerable to the challenges of climate change. Australia is home to 10 per cent of the world's biodiversity, and a great number of its flora and fauna exist nowhere else in the world. In January 2013, Australia assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2013-14 term.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
27 00 S, 133 00 E
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Oceania
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 7,741,220 sq km
country comparison to the world: 6
land: 7,682,300 sq km
water: 58,920 sq km
note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
25,760 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m
highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum
note: Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal accounting for 29% of global coal exports
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 6.16% (includes about 27 million hectares of cultivated grassland)
permanent crops: 0.05%
other: 93.79% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
25,460 sq km (2006)
Total renewable water resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
492 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 22.58 cu km/yr (27%/18%/55%)
per capita: 1,152 cu m/yr (2010)
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires
volcanism: volcanic activity on Heard and McDonald Islands
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural freshwater resources
Environment - international agreements:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; the only continent without glaciers; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast and is one of the most consistent winds in the world
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Australian(s)
adjective: Australian
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
white 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
English 78.5%, Chinese 2.5%, Italian 1.6%, Greek 1.3%, Arabic 1.2%, Vietnamese 1%, other 8.2%, unspecified 5.7% (2006 Census)
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Protestant 27.4% (Anglican 18.7%, Uniting Church 5.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 3%), Catholic 25.8%, Eastern Orthodox 2.7%, other Christian 7.9%, Buddhist 2.1%, Muslim 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 11.3%, none 18.7% (2006 Census)
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
22,262,501 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 56
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 18.1% (male 2,061,973/female 1,957,558)
15-24 years: 13.4% (male 1,531,325/female 1,453,940)
25-54 years: 42% (male 4,748,667/female 4,598,259)
55-64 years: 11.8% (male 1,308,660/female 1,326,220)
65 years and over: 14.7% (male 1,509,460/female 1,766,439) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Dependency ratios:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total dependency ratio: 50.2 %
youth dependency ratio: 28.6 %
elderly dependency ratio: 21.5 %
potential support ratio: 4.6 (2013)
Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 38.1 years
male: 37.3 years
female: 38.8 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.11% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12.23 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.01 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 134
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 89% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Sydney 4.429 million; Melbourne 3.853 million; Brisbane 1.97 million; Perth 1.599 million; CANBERRA (capital) 399,000 (2011)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
30.5 (2006 est.)
Maternal mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 165
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 4.49 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 190
male: 4.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 4.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 81.98 years
country comparison to the world: 10
male: 79.55 years
female: 84.54 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.77 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
72.3%
note: percent of women aged 18-44 (2005)
Health expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
9% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 46
Physicians density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.85 physicians/1,000 population (2010)
Hospital bed density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.9 beds/1,000 population (2010)
Drinking water source:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.1% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
20,000 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 76
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123
Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
26.8% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 44
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.1% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 71
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 20 years
male: 19 years
female: 20 years (2010)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 11.3%
country comparison to the world: 101
male: 11.9%
female: 10.8% (2011)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia
conventional short form: Australia
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
federal parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Canberra
geographic coordinates: 35 16 S, 149 08 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April
note: Australia is divided into three time zones
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia
Dependent areas:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Macquarie Island, Norfolk Island
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorates the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
9 July 1900; effective 1 January 1901; amended several times, last in 1977; note - a referendum to amend the constitution to reflect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act 2013 is to be completed by the end of 2014 (2013)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
common law system based on the English model
International law organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Quentin BRYCE (since 5 September 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Anthony John "Tony" ABBOTT (since 18 September 2013); Deputy Prime Minister Warren TRUSS (since 18 September 2013)
cabinet: prime minister nominates, from among members of Parliament, candidates who are subsequently sworn in by the governor general to serve as government ministers
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor general
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats; 12 members from each of the six states and 2 from each of the two mainland territories; one-half of state members are elected every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms while all territory members are elected every three years) and the House of Representatives (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve terms of up to three-years; no state can have fewer than 5 representatives)
elections: Senate - last held on 7 September 2013; House of Representatives - last held on 7 September 2013 (the latest a simultaneous half-Senate and House of Representative elections can be held is 30 November 2016)
election results: Senate NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Liberal/National Coalition 53.45%, Australian Labor Party 46.55%; seats by party - Liberal/National Coalition 90 (Liberal 58, Liberal National 22, Nationals 9, Country Liberals 1), Australian Labor Party 55, Australian Greens Party 1, Katter's Australian Party 1, Palmer United Party 1, independents 2
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): High Court of Australia (consists of 7 justices, including the chief justice); note - each of the 6 states, 2 territories, and Norfolk Island has a Supreme Court; the High Court is the final appellate court beyond the state and territory supreme courts
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor-general in council for life with mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: subordinate courts at the federal level: Federal Court; Federal Magistrates' Courts of Australia; Family Court; subordinate courts at the state and territory level: Local Court - New South Wales; Magistrates' Courts – Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory; District Courts – New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia; County Court – Victoria; Family Court – Western Australia; Court of Petty Sessions – Norfolk Island
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Australian Greens Party [Christine MILNE]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
other: business groups, environmental groups, social groups, trade unions
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), Sparteca, SPC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador Kim Christian BEAZLEY (since 7 February 2010)
chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000
FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador John BERRY (since 25 September 2013)
embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600
mailing address: APO AP 96549
telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600
FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970
consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for each of the six original states and one representing all of Australia's internal and external territories; on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small, five-pointed star and four larger, seven-pointed stars
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Southern Cross constellation (five, seven-pointed stars); kangaroo; emu
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "Advance Australia Fair"
lyrics/music: Peter Dodds McCORMICK
note: adopted 1984; although originally written in the late 19th century, the anthem did not become used for all official occasions until 1984; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" is also played at Royal functions (see United Kingdom)
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
The Australian economy has experienced continuous growth and features low unemployment, contained inflation, very low public debt, and a strong and stable financial system. By 2012, Australia had experienced more than 20 years of continued economic growth, averaging 3.5% a year. Demand for resources and energy from Asia and especially China has grown rapidly, creating a channel for resources investments and growth in commodity exports. The high Australian dollar has hurt the manufacturing sector, while the services sector is the largest part of the Australian economy, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of jobs. Australia was comparatively unaffected by the global financial crisis as the banking system has remained strong and inflation is under control. Australia has benefited from a dramatic surge in its terms of trade in recent years, stemming from rising global commodity prices. Australia is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food. Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40 billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas project, will significantly expand the resources sector. Australia is an open market with minimal restrictions on imports of goods and services. The process of opening up has increased productivity, stimulated growth, and made the economy more flexible and dynamic. Australia plays an active role in the World Trade Organization, APEC, the G20, and other trade forums. Australia has bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and the US, has a regional FTA with ASEAN and New Zealand, is negotiating agreements with China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, as well as with its Pacific neighbors and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and is also working on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement with Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US, and Vietnam.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$961 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.521 trillion (2012 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.7% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$42,000 (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 22
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
Gross national saving:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
25.2% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46
GDP - composition, by end use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
household consumption: 54.9%
government consumption: 18.2%
investment in fixed capital: 28.5%
investment in inventories: 0.4%
exports of goods and services: 20.1%
imports of goods and services: -22%
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 3.9%
industry: 27.2%
services: 68.9% (2012 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.5% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 80
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12.15 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 43
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 3.6%
industry: 21.1%
services: 75% (2009 est.)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.2% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 47
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 25.4% (1994)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
30.3 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 114
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $504.7 billion
expenditures: $556.1 billion (2012 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
33.2% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 79
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-3.4% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 130
Public debt:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
32.4% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 July - 30 June
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.8% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 37
Central bank discount rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3% (February 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 82
note: this is the Reserve Bank of Australia's "cash rate target," or policy rate
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.98% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 118
Stock of narrow money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$534.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 10
Stock of broad money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.708 trillion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 11
Stock of domestic credit:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$2.255 trillion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 12
Market value of publicly traded shares:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.4 trillion (31 January 2013)
country comparison to the world: 13
Current account balance:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$-57.14 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 188
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$257.9 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat, machinery and transport equipment
Exports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
China 29.5%, Japan 19.3%, South Korea 8%, India 4.9% (2012)
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$263 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum products
Imports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
China 18.4%, US 11.7%, Japan 7.9%, Singapore 6%, Germany 4.6%, Thailand 4.2%, South Korea 4.1% (2012)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$49.15 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 39
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.497 trillion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 13
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$610.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 13
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$426 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 16
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
225.5 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
213.5 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 159
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
59.13 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
78.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 93
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 40
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
13.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 105
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 42
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
519,100 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
314,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 25
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
475,900 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.433 billion bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 39
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
675,200 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.023 million bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 20
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
70,810 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 54
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
304,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
48.24 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 20
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
33.39 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
30.27 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 15
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10.92 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.219 trillion cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 25
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
392.3 million Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10.47 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 20
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
24.4 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 43
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: excellent domestic and international service
domestic: domestic satellite system; significant use of radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile telephones
international: country code - 61; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Southern Cross fiber optic submarine cable provides links to New Zealand and the United States; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat, 2 Globalstar, 5 other) (2007)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations, as well as Australia Network, a TV service that broadcasts throughout the Asia-Pacific region and is the main public broadcaster; Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), a second large public broadcaster, operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple languages; several large national commercial TV networks, a large number of local commercial TV stations, and hundreds of commercial radio stations are accessible; cable and satellite systems are available (2008)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.au
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
17.081 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 8
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15.81 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 25
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
480 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 16
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 349
over 3,047 m: 11
2,438 to 3,047 m: 14
1,524 to 2,437 m: 155
914 to 1,523 m: 155
under 914 m: 14 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 131
1,524 to 2,437 m: 16
914 to 1,523 m: 101
under 914 m:
Heliports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 (2013)
Pipelines:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
condensate/gas 637 km; gas 30,054 km; liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 3,609 km; oil/gas/water 110 km; refined products 72 km (2013)
Railways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 38,445 km
country comparison to the world: 7
broad gauge: 3,355 km 1.600-m gauge
standard gauge: 21,674 km 1.435-m gauge (650 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 9,539 km 1.067-m gauge (2,067 km electrified); 3,877 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 823,217 km
country comparison to the world: 9
paved: 356,343 km
unpaved: 466,874 km (2011)
Waterways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling river systems) (2011)
country comparison to the world: 43
Merchant marine:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 41
country comparison to the world: 75
by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 7, liquefied gas 4, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 5, roll on/roll off 5
foreign-owned: 17 (Canada 5, Germany 2, Singapore 2, South Africa 1, UK 5, US 2)
registered in other countries: 25 (Bahamas 1, Dominica 1, Fiji 2, Liberia 1, Netherlands 1, Panama 4, Singapore 12, Tonga 1, UK 1, US 1) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Fremantle, Geelong, Gladstone, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Port Adelaide, Port Kembla, Sydney
dry bulk cargo port(s): Dampier (iron ore), Dalrymple Bay (coal), Hay Point (coal), Port Hedland (iron ore), Port Walcott (iron ore)
container port(s) (TEUs): Brisbane (1,004,983), Melbourne (2,467,967), Sydney (2,028,074)(2011)
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army (includes Special Operations Command), Royal Australian Navy (includes Naval Aviation Force), Royal Australian Air Force, Joint Operations Command (JOC) (2013)
Military service age and obligation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
17 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; women allowed to serve in most combat roles, except the Army special forces (2013)
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 5,316,464
females age 16-49: 5,116,722 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 4,411,958
females age 16-49: 4,239,985 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 143,565
female: 135,800 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 41
Transnational Issues:
Disputes - international:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
In 2007, Australia and Timor-Leste agreed to a 50-year development zone and revenue sharing arrangement and deferred a maritime boundary; Australia asserts land and maritime claims to Antarctica; Australia's 2004 submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) extends its continental margins over 3.37 million square kilometers, expanding its seabed roughly 30 percent beyond its claimed exclusive economic zone; all borders between Indonesia and Australia have been agreed upon bilaterally, but a 1997 treaty that would settle the last of their maritime and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundary has yet to be ratified by Indonesia's legislature; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing
Refugees and internally displaced persons:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
refugees (country of origin): 7,192 (Afghanistan) (2012)