Abel Janszoon Tasman, a 17th-century Dutch explorer, gave his name to Tasmania, although it was first known as Van Diemen’s Land.

Capt. James Cook of Britain’s Royal Navy claimed Australia for Great Britain in 1770.

January 26 is celebrated as Australia Day or Foundation Day because Capt. Arthur Phillip landed in New South Wales on that day in 1788, bringing with him 1,000 people (including 717 convicts).

Australia is the world's smallest continent and it's biggest island.

Modern Australia is one of the most urbanized nations in the world. Nearly 90% of it's residents live in urban areas.

A nickname for Australia is “Oz,” and Australians call themselves “Aussies” or “Ozzies.”

Seasons in Australia are the opposite of those in the U.S. December is hot, while in July and August it is mid-winter. Fortunately, winters Down Under are mild and pleasant!

Australia is made up of six states (New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia) and two federal territories (the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory).

Australia is a constitutional monarchy; its traditional head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of England. However, Australia is completely independent, with a parliamentary government similar to Britain’s.

In Australia, English is the only official language, although Aboriginal Kriol is a new language developed since European settlement.

The capital of Australia is Canberra. Sydney, with more than 13 times as many people as Canberra, is a former capital.

Swimming in Australia used to be only for convicts wishing to get clean, and in 1838 it was actually illegal to swim at public beaches during the day. This law was enforced until 1902.

Australia’s 230,000 Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders represent the world’s oldest indigenous cultures.

Australia’s total population, about 18 million, is made up of more than 150 nationalities, making it one of the most multicultural societies in the world. Australia is an island continent, the sixth-largest country in the world, with an area approximately equal to the continental United States.

More than 80% of the Australian continent is desert, and almost three-quarters of the land cannot support agriculture in any form.