Subject: Social Studies
Australia entirely lies in the Southern hemisphere. It is extended from 10°S to 40°S latitudes and 114°E to 154°E longitudes.
It is surrounded by seas on all sides. The Indian Ocean lies to the north-west, the Pacific Ocean lies to the east and the Southern Ocean lies in the southern part of the Australia. It is the only continent which is crossed across by the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Capricorn divides the continent into two halves approximately.
Its area is 7,617,950 square kilometres. It is the sixth largest continent in the world. It's north-south and east-west distances are 3196 km and 3840 km respectively. British Captain James Cook Sailed to the eastern coast of Australia in 1770 A.D. The Dutch were the first to reach Australia. Dutch explorer Willem Jansz is regarded as the first to discover Australia in 1606 A.D.
Australia is bordered by the New Guinea to the north, Timor to the north-west and Tasmania to the south. New-Zealand and other eastern and south-eastern islands are also parts of Australia.
Australia has a regular coastline. The Gulf of Carpenteria in the north and the Great Australian Bight in the south are the places where the seas enter to the midland. The north-western coast is highly broken. Tasmania is a separated island in the south-east. The presence of Tropic of Capricorn, in the mid part highly affects the natural condition of Australia.
Australia is divided into three physical regions. They are as mentioned below.
The climate of Australia is entirely contrary to that of Nepal. When it is autumn in Nepal, it is spring in Australia. Different parts of Australia have varieties of climatic conditions. The northern coastal region is influenced by the monsoon climate. Summer is humid and rainy and winter is dry in this region. The Mediterranean climate shapes the climatic condition of western and south-eastern regions. There are hot and dry summers and warm and wet winters in this region.
Australia is rich with unique species of animals and plants. Most of the plants and animals found in Australia are not found in other parts of the world. Eucalyptus is a tree which can easily adopt in dry and hot climate. It has a thick oily bark. It is used for medicinal purposes. Other rare plants are mals, scrub, saltbush, and acacia.
A special animal called kangaroo is found only in Australia. It's forelimbs are very short while the hindlimbs are much longer. A kangaroo manipulates its hind limbs and tail for locomotion. A female kangaroo has a special bag in her stomach where she can keep young ones. Another four-footed animal is the platypus. It looks like a mongoose, but it lays eggs. It is like a half-animal and half-bird. Another peculiar animal is the dreadful dog called dingo.
The mainland of the continent Australia is the commonwealth of Australia. Canberra is the capital city. Australia is rich in natural resources.
The native Australians are called aborigines. They are dwelling in and around the Savanna, a huge grassland area. They are generally nomadic people with no permanent settlements. They rear animals, hunt wildlife and collect food grains. They do less cultivation.
There are national parks in the Northern Territory. These are the centres of tourism activities whereas the people in Down are engaged in wheat farming and sheep rearing. Dairy farming is the special feature of Queensland.
Australia is rich in minerals as well. It is a leading producer of gold, silver, zinc and lead. Gold is produced mainly in Kalgoorlie. Lead and silver are mined in Mt. Isa. Australia alone produces the one-third portion of the total production of uranium in the world.
Industries of heavy engineering and wool factories are advanced in Australia. Hydroelectricity is generated through the Murray-Darling river system.
Australia is a continent of immigrants. The largest numbers of immigrants are from Great Britain and Ireland. Australians possess a higher living standard. Lifestyle in towns is same as Europe.
Nepal has a friendly relationship with Australia. Australia is supporting Nepal in its development process. Many Nepalese youths go to study and settle in Australia every year.
In which hemisphere does Australia lie?
Australia lies in the southern hemisphere.
Who discovered Australia and when?
Dutch explorer Willem Jansz is regarded as the first to discover Australia in 1606 A.D.
What is the area of Australia?
The area of Australia is 76,17,950 sq. km.
Who is regarded as the first to discover Austalia?
Dutch Explorer William Jansz is regarded as the first to discover Australia.
Write the unique characteristics of Australia?
The unique characteristicsof Australia are as follows:
Write the physical features of Australia?
The physical features of Australia are as follows:
What types of plants are only found in Australia?
Mals, scrub, saltbush and acacia are the types of plants that are only found in Australia.
Which animal is the native of Australia?
Kangaroo is the native of Australia.
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