Do you know what the capital of Australia is? And how many states is the country divided into? Besides the kangaroo, what other animals live there? Check out 10 fun facts about Australia!
Australia is a country that arouses our curiosity – and there are many interesting and fun facts about Australia. With a territory of almost 8 million km², the country has English as its native language, is surrounded by the ocean and takes almost its entire continent, Oceania.
Many people have questions about Australia, like what the capital of the country is (here’s a spoiler: it’s not Sydney!), which are the Aussie states, how is the nature there, and much more.
Below, see 10 fun facts about Australia that you need to know!
1. The capital of Australia is not Sydney
Sydney is one of the most famous Australian cities. It is recognized for being a metropolis and for its postcards, such as Sydney Opera House. But, contrary to what many people think, Sydney is not the capital.
The capital of Australia is Canberra! It is not a small town – actually, it is the 8th most populous city in the country. Canberra was designed and chosen as capital because it is not on the shore and, therefore, was less susceptible to possible enemy attacks.
But here’s another fun fact: Canberra only became the capital of Australia in 1927. Before that, Melbourne was the capital.
2. Melbourne is one of the best cities to live in
There’s a lot of interesting things to know about Melbourne. But one of the most important is: Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world to live in!
In 2022, The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Ranking evaluated the life quality in 173 cities around the world. And Melbourne ranked 10th!
Do you want to know what other Australian cities are great to live in? Check out here the best places to live in Australia!
3. Australia is divided into 8 states and territories
Australia is in Oceania and takes almost the entire continent. The country is divided into eight regions, among states and territories:
- New South Wales (where Sydney is located, for example)
- Northern Territory
- Queensland (where Brisbane is located)
- South Australia (which the capital is Adelaide)
- Tasmania
- Victoria (where Melbourne is located)
- Western Australia
- Australian Capital Territory (where Canberra is located)
4. Each Australian region may have its own law
The rules of one state may not apply to the others. That happens because each Australian state or region has its own constitution, government and laws.
The rules to get a driver licence, for instance, may vary according to the region. This is why it’s very important, in case you decide to move to Australia, to get information about the state that you chose to live in.
5. Australia has almost 11 thousand beaches
Australia has a territory of 8 million km² surrounded by the ocean – there are almost 11 thousand beaches in the country!
No wonder, Australia is one of the countries with the largest coastal population in the world: about 85% of the population (almost 20 million people) live less than 50 km from the shore.
6. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world
If you ever visit Tasmania, you can take a deep breath! Almost 1/3 of this region is taken by a national park or by territories protected as heritage. That is why, in Tasmania, the air is pure as it is in Antarctica.
If you like hiking and being in contact with nature, Tasmania is certainly the right destination for you!
7. Australia has 60 wine regions, but supermarkets can’t sell alcoholic beverages
It even sounds like a contradiction: Australia has one of the populations that most consume alcoholic beverages in the world (there are more than 60 wine regions, in addition to a large beer production), but Australian states are strict about the sale of alcohol. There, the supermarkets are not allowed to sell these products.
Wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages are only sold in authorised stores or in bars.
8. The Aussie fauna is very rich, and many animals live only in Australia
The fauna in Australia goes way beyond kangaroos and koala bears, which are the symbols of the country. From snakes to birds, it is possible to have contact with animals of all kinds, whether in zoos (like the Wild Life, in Sydney), in parks or in trails.
Besides, 80% of the Aussie fauna is made up of animals that live only in Australia! It is the case of the classic kangaroos (there are more than 50 million!) and koala bears, but also platypus, Tasmanian devil, black swan and quokka.
9. Australia has the biggest reef in the world
The marine life in Australia is also very rich. If you are a Pixar fan, you will remember that the fish from “Finding Nemo” live in a reef in Australia – and it’s not for nothing.
The Great Barrier Reef, in the northeast of the country, is the largest living organism on Earth – it can even be seen from space!
This ecosystem has 2.300 kilometres of extension, 400 types of coral, 1500 fish species, and 4000 types of mollusc.
10. Australia was the first country to allow women to vote
Australia made history by being the first independent nation to allow women to vote, in 1902 – just one year after getting its independence and ceasing to be a colony.
But, of course, that didn’t happen overnight. In the 1890s, the suffragette movement gained strength: each colony had, at least, one group of these women, who protested for their right to participate in political decisions.
Do you want to know more about Australia and even how to move to the country? Get in touch with Good Day!
Sources:
https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/about-australia/cities-states-and-territories.html
https://www.travelnation.co.uk/blog/10-interesting-facts-about-australia-that-may-surprise-you
https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/australia-facts
https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/top-10-facts/top-10-facts-about-australia/