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Australia and New Zealand

Australia​

Geography​

  • Location: In the south-east from Asia.
  • Oceans: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean.
  • Adjacent Regions: Tasmania lies 240 km south, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand.
  • Characteristics: Driest, flattest, smallest continent, the 6th largest country.
  • Mountains: The Great Dividing Range (along the Eastern Coast), the Great Sandy (west).
  • Deserts: Great Victoria Desert (west).
  • Highest Mountain: Mt. Kosciusko.
  • Rivers: The Murray River, the Darling.
  • Lakes: Lake Eyre, Lake Torrens, Lake Gardiner.
  • Seasons: Opposite to northern hemisphere, summer when we have winter.
  • Unique Animals: Kangaroo, koala bear, dingo, platypus, Tasmanian devil, echidna, funnel-web spider, Emus, frilled lizards.
  • Unique Plants: Eucalyptus.

People​

  • Population: 23.5 million – “the Kiwis”, “the Aussies”.
  • Density: One of the lowest densities in the world.
  • Ethnicities: British, European origin, aborigines.
  • Official languages: English and Aboriginal.

History​

  • 1770: James Cook explored the eastern coast.
  • Convict Colony: Australia became a British convict colony.
  • Gold Rush: Gold was found here.
  • 1901: The Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed.

National Economy​

  • Major Industries: Iron, steel, textiles, electrical equipment, chemicals, cars, aircraft, ships.
  • Top Exports: Beef, lamb, wool, wheat, sugar cane.
  • Natural Resources: Bauxite, coal, copper, iron, lead, silver.

Government and Administration​

  • Political System: Democratic, federal system with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state.
  • Leaders: Governor-General: Sir Peter Cosgrove, Prime Minister: Anthony John Abbott.
  • Divisions: 6 states + 1 territory.
  • Capital: Canberra.
  • Parliament: Senate, House of Representatives.
  • Flag: Union Jack + 5 stars representing the Southern Cross Constellation + 1 star for territories and states.

New Zealand​

Geography​

  • Islands: 2 large islands – North and South Island + Steward Island.
  • Adjacent Regions: Pacific Ocean, Australia, Fiji, Tonga.
  • Terrain: Hilly (the Southern Alps), mountainous, plains (Canterbury Plains on South Island), glaciers.
  • Highest Peak: Mount Cook.

People​

  • Population: Almost 5 million.
  • Density: Higher density than in Australia.
  • Ethnicities: European, British origin, Polynesian.
  • Urbanization: Majority live in urban areas.
  • Official languages: English, also spoken is Maori.

History​

  • Maoris: Arrived in the 14th century.
  • European Exploration: Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, James Cook.
  • Sovereignty: Proclaimed in 1840, became a dominion in 1907.
  • Independence: Member of the Commonwealth.

National Economy​

  • Major Industries: Food processing, textiles, machinery, forest industry.
  • Main Crops: Grain.
  • Natural Resources: Oil, gas, coal.
  • Specialties: Sheep -> dried milk, the Pavlova cake.

Government and Administration​

  • Political System: Parliamentary system, Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state.
  • Leaders: Governor-General: Sir Jerry Mateparae, Prime Minister: John Key.
  • Parliament: Single-chambered, House of Representatives.
  • Capital: Wellington, Largest city: Auckland, Christchurch.
  • Flag: British Union Jack + 4 red stars representing the Southern Cross Constellation.

Sights​

  • Wellington: Botanic garden, Sculpture garden.
  • Auckland: Auckland museum, Westhaven Marina, Sky Tower.
  • Culture: “Haka”-dance, Tattooing, Carving of Statues.
  • National Parks: Rotorua, Abel Tasman NP.
  • Natural Wonders: Geysers, extraordinary flora & fauna including kiwi, tuatara, Hector’s dolphin, Pohutukawa.