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general information |
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australia, the smallest of the earth's seven continents, is lying between the indian and pacific oceans, south east of asia. it is bounded on the north by the timor sea, the arafura sea, and the torres strait; on the east by the coral sea and the tasman sea; on the south by the bass strait and the indian ocean; and on the west by the indian ocean. the continent extends for about 4025 km (about 2500 mi) from east to west and for about 3700 km (about 2300 mi) from north to south. its coastline measures about 19,650 km (about 12,210 mi). |
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australia, the country, is officially called the commonwealth of australia, and is a self-governing member of the commonwealth of nations. it is formed by australia's five mainland states (new south wales, queensland, south australia, victoria, and western australia) and two territories (the northern territory and the australian capital territory, an enclave within new south wales containing canberra, the federal capital), as well as the nearby island of tasmania. |
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the external dependencies of australia, administered but not part of australia, are the ashmore and cartier islands territory, australian antarctic territory, christmas island, the territory of cocos (keeling) islands, the territory of heard island and mcdonald islands, norfolk island, and the coral sea islands territory. |
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australia is a land of beauty, yet it knows the harshness of bushfire, flood and drought. it experiences the temperature extremes of tropics and snow-capped mountains, and although it is home to deserts, its plains support efficient agricultural industries. |
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australia is well known for the warmth of its welcome to overseas visitors and the relaxed informality of its people. no worries, mate! |
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