Australia is a land of contrasts be it the smallest continent or the largest island. Thus the diversity of its nature can be seen everywhere. Be it the unique flora and fauna and the beautiful weather or the diverse cultures culminating into a burst of colour and excitement, Australia has something special stored away for everyone.


Population : 18 Million

Area : 7 682 3000m2

Capital City : Canberra

Major Cities : Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth

Official Language : English

Currency : Australian Dollars (AUS $)


Divided into 6 states and 2 territories, Australia is spread across three time zones. It is one of the most urbanized country of the world and 70 percent of it's population stays in 10 of it's largest cities. With a land area similar in size to continental USA ( excluding Alaska ) and a population of about 19 million people Australia offers the great feeling of space and a sense of freedom which is unmatched. Australia is a land offering the excitement of discovery at every step. The friendly people, unique culture and fabulous attractions; which range from the aquamarine waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the changing colours of Ayers Rock and from the Sydney Opera House to the Big Pineapple at the Sunshine Plantation of Queensland; all beckon the traveller.


Climate in Australia is generally pleasant without extremes in temperatures. Divided into two climatic zones. About 40% of Australia lies in the tropical zone i.e. above the Tropic of Capricorn. The remaining areas lie in the temperate zone. Australia’s size being vast so it is but natural that there are variations within these two zones. Summer starts in December and winter begins in July, spring is in September and autumn begins in March! As a result, Christmas is generally spent on the beach. The four seasons in the temperate zone are spring and summer from September/October to March, autumn and winter from April to September.

Economy of Australian depends mainly on mining and agriculture. Both are equally productive and lucrative, as there is abundance of raw material, natural resources and multitudes of sheep that make Australia the world's largest supplier of wool. Tourism is also a major source of national income. The manufacturing sector has long been the Australian economy's weak link and successive governments have subsidised the industry even during economic slumps. As a result, most Australians find employment in the manufacturing sector.

58% all Australians are Christians and more than half of them are Roman Catholic. Census figures show that 20% of all Australians are atheists. Apart from these there are several other religions minorities - Buddhist (1.13%), Jewish (0.45%), Muslim (1.13%).

The main languages spoken in Australia are English, German, Italian, Greek and many aboriginal dialects. There are 240 languages spoken in Australia apart from English and 50 of them are indigenous. Before the arrival of the Europeans, there were more than 250 native languages. Today, only about 30 are regularly spoken and taught in community schools.

There is nothing like a purely Australian cuisine. Australia makes up for it in the range and variety of gastronomic pleasures it has assimilated along with its immigrant population. European immigrants from Italy, Germany, Greece and Yugoslavia brought their own cuisine with them as did Asian immigrant populations like the Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Lebanese. Add to these the cooking styles of the Polynesian and Melanesian communities and you have what qualifies as Pacific Rim and pan- Australian cuisine. Indigenous food includes such delights as kangaroo and crocodile steaks and burgers, Wichita bugs, emu paté and wattle seed ice cream. Highlights of an Aussie trip could be fresh barramundi or seafood and the famous Australian bar-be-que.

Casual wear does just fine for most places in Australia. So keep the clothes informal unless on a business trip. For the summer months from October to April, pack in lightweight clothes and always carry a hat and sunscreen with a high SPF in Australia, as the sun and UV radiation can get very intense. For the coast, an umbrella or raincoat is a sensible item to carry along and for inland and mountainous regions, you’ll need a lightweight sweater or coat. Winter months require heavier warm clothes and inland areas can get really cold.