On the question of which country Canberra, without hesitation, can be answered only one thing: it's not a country and city.And this will tell you just about any high school student, of course, if he listened carefully to the material outlining a geography teacher.At the same time, not all adults know that this city is the capital of Australia, and not Sydney or Melbourne, as many believe.This is a truly amazing creation of the twentieth century, which can not meet the old buildings or narrow streets.The city has its own special spirit.It has been carefully thought out and planned to the last detail, and the whole country is atypical.
history base
For a long time the issue of capital of Australia was very serious.The fact that the right to be the administrative center of the state claimed these two large and important cities like Melbourne and Sydney.In order not to prejudice the interests of any of them, in 1909 the government decided on the construction of the nation's capital on neutral territory.The place where is Canberra, in the Australian Parliament have the map.At the same meeting, it announced a competition to design a new city.It was attended by representatives of different countries.The winner was the architect of Chicago's Walter Burley Griffin.As a result, according to his project in 1913 was laid the new administrative center of Australia, and the time of its construction took about half a century.
Features Construction
area where Canberra is located, it is a valley covered with rare species of plants and surrounded by hills.It is located 650 km (north-east) from Sydney and 370 kilometers south-west (from him).In the literal translation from the language of Aborigines, Australia's capital city name means "meeting place".According to the proposed construction plan, the city is clearly divided into districts, each of which has a specific purpose - for office buildings, commercial office buildings, educational and cultural institutions, and so on.Disposition of the house is different rigor and accuracy.The official status of the capital of Australia Canberra received in 1927.At the same time he moved in the parliament and the government residence.
General description
Canberra, the coordinates of which are 35 degrees south latitude and 149 degrees east longitude, is located in the central part of the Australian continent, at a great distance from the coast, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level.The area of its territory - about 800 square kilometers.The population exceeds the mark of 380 thousand people.In the heart of the Australian capital is Lake Burley Griffin, which is due to dam the river separated from Molonglo.Its picturesque landscape of the area, which is located in Canberra, owes around its eucalyptus forests, savannas, green meadows and marshes.Moreover, the region is characterized by a high level of environmental friendliness, the air all the time Canberra is fresh and clean.The solid construction and the construction industry is prohibited.The human imagination is striking diversity of species of birds, taken a liking to these territories.As for fauna, in the vicinity of the city you can find wild dingo, kangaroo, marsupial bears and many other fauna.In addition, and is home to poisonous snakes, the number of species which reaches several tens.
ethnic composition, religion and language
area where Canberra is located, and its surroundings in its overwhelmingly inhabited by descendants of immigrants from European countries (mainly Irish and English).Besides them, the city is home to a large number of immigrants from Asian countries, Italians, Armenians, Russian, Ukrainians and Greeks.English is the state.In addition, many people in the Australian capital say in Russian, Greek and Italian.As for religion, it is about 80 percent of the population - are Christians (Protestants and Catholics).Of the other religions are not much, but still spread Orthodoxy, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism.
Climate
determining factor in shaping the climate of Canberra - Australia's capital position.Due to the remoteness of the coast is dominated by less humid weather, as compared to the settlements of coastal states.The same caveat is the cause distinct seasons.Throughout the year, the city falls no more than 620 millimeters of precipitation.The most rainy season begins in June and ends in August.At this time the day temperature is between 15 to 18 degrees, and at night there are frosts.Snow here is very rare.If he falls, then delayed for a maximum of a few hours.From November to January is the intense heat and the thermometer reaches 32 degrees above zero.In general, the weather in the city can change very rapidly, and for day and night temperature is characterized by strong fluctuations.The best time to visit is the period from December to February.
Transport
Canberra - the capital, which boasts a high-quality coated roads.This is largely due to the policy of improvement, constantly pursued by local authorities.Despite the fact that people here the most common means of transportation is considered a car, the city has an extensive network of public transport.The most rapid and comfortable are buses that run on schedule and allow you to get to anywhere in the capital without any problems.The cost of a single fare is $ 2.5, while for the daily ticket must pay about 6.6 dollars.You can buy them directly from the driver or in specialized kiosks.A bus stop is not always so, so as not to miss your stop, you should promptly click on the appropriate button in the passenger compartment.Whatever it was, moving on foot or by bicycle it is a priority for many people in Canberra.Australian Capital, among other things, has its own airport.With the largest economic center of the state (Melbourne and Sydney) it is associated not only highways, but also by rail.
Architecture
City Canberra, where a large number of modern national monuments, galleries, historical museums and other cultural institutions can boast of a well-designed architecture.All of these facilities are located mainly around the large artificial lakes.High-rise buildings are very small.All of them concentrated on the river embankment.Thus, the Australian Capital gracefully combines the features of a modern metropolis and a provincial town with an abundance of beautiful places and stunning natural landscapes.Canberra - the capital of which is significantly different from the others, built on the western European type of Australian major cities.The fact that it was planned as a national center for the development of science and culture, as well as the government residence.
Communication
interesting feature is the abundance of local telephone machines.They are found on every corner.At the same time calls are possible in foreign countries.The cost of domestic calls is $ 0.4 and the call to other states paid depending on the time and subscribers.Buy a phone card can be virtually any kiosk or shop Canberra.The country as a whole is quite advanced in terms of communication: it is widely distributed online, including 3G.Buy a SIM card from a local operator roaming is possible at any point of mobile communications.
Attractions
As noted above, in 1913, was founded the city of Canberra.Historical monuments in this regard, there are not so often.Despite this, in the Australian capital, there are many interesting objects.Very popular with locals and tourists enjoy the Botanical Garden, covering an area of 50 hectares.In it it is found about 6000 species of plants.Specific words deserves artificially created Lake Burley Griffin, which is located in the heart of the city.It should be noted that it is named in honor of the architect, plan Canberra.In the middle of a powerful jet of a fountain named after Captain Cook.It is worth visiting and Capital Hill - a small-sized area with government buildings.An ideal place for walking, according to residents of the capital - a park "Cockington Green", the appearance of which is formed by miniature houses and gardens filled with a variety of exotic plants.
Attractions
in Canberra attractions are mainly represented by objects created in a contemporary style.This is not surprising, as the capital of the Australian state appeared on the map only in the last century.Interest is considered an architectural monument of the old parliament building, built in 1927 and located in the heart of the city.It consists of two floors and built of white stone.The building is surrounded by a rose garden and the National stands out from other buildings with their massive columns.
Australian War Memorial - this is the most famous attraction of World Canberra.It is a whole complex, which includes a room of memory, a historical museum and research center.The memorial was built to commemorate the memory of Australian soldiers who died during the two world wars.On its walls, you can see the designation of places where residents were killed - Crete, Mesopotamia, the Coral Sea and others.The names of all the victims applied to the bronze plate inside.The halls are dioramas of battles, models of tanks, planes, weapons and paintings by local artists, dedicated to the same topic.Near the complex is the Sculpture Garden.Nearby is a column of 66 meters in height, on which the figure of the eagle.The sculpture was erected in gratitude to the United States for its assistance during the Second World War.
Canberra - the capital of not only political, but also scientific.The building of the National Academy of Sciences is located here and is one of the local attractions.His appearance is something like the Eskimo ice houses, so Australians anoint him "yglu."
Special attention should be erected in 1980. Telstra Tower.On its top is equipped with an observation deck.Since it offers superb panoramic views and many tourists try to take a picture on the background.In addition, operating within a souvenir shop, a café, and the city museum.
Sports
City Canberra, where a huge number of cross-country and cycling paths, special recreation areas, tennis courts, water systems and simulators - is a real paradise for lovers of sports and active lifestyles.In the Australian capital, as well as throughout the country, are quite developed tennis, basketball, golf, rugby and cricket.Competitions are held at the central stadium almost all the time.Despite the relatively modest size of the city, is stationed here a lot of teams representing various sports.
Real estate and business climate
in urban real estate investing their funds many foreigners.However, they usually have investment and immigration goals.It should be noted that the Australian capital in this respect is more popular than the subjects with the largest country - Melbourne and Sydney, where prices are higher.
Government administration and defense - are the main spheres of the economy of Canberra.Australia is generally regarded as a country with a developed industry.However, this does not apply to its capital.In the above two areas it employs about 40 percent of the local population.In addition, the city can be called very progressive, because here are the headquarters of a number of software developers.This area of activity here has become the most profitable.
Power
Most of the local restaurants are located in downtown areas.If you wish, you can enjoy almost any cuisine.The level of service is quite high, but the quality dishes every year is getting better.It should be noted that the Australian kitchen, which previously did not differ from the English, recently acquired its own features.In particular, it now become a fixture in seafood.In the Australian capital of perfectly brewed cheeses, and the market you can find very exotic products - for example, lip shark or crocodile meat.
Accommodation and Recreation
Since Canberra - the capital of a large state, is not difficult to find accommodation.Options for placement of guests and tourists are very different in value and comfort - from cheap hotels to luxury villas and hotels.Prices for renting rooms start with a mark of 30 dollars per day.As for the cultural program, it combines perfectly with the walks, rest and visit all kinds of entertainment facilities.In particular, the National Zoo with aquarium operates daily.Apart from him, the nature lovers will be interested to visit the National Park "Tidbinbilla."Australian capital boasts many nightclubs and entertainment, so we can safely say that the scope of leisure activities here operates around the clock.Shops generally work seven days a week.They can buy almost any thing, including the products of the famous Australian wool.
nuances, to keep in mind the tourists
use water from the local water supply system is undesirable.It is not dangerous to human health, but because of the treatment can delay acclimation.
Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited and alcohol consumption is allowed only at certain times, and even then not everywhere.
When nature walks do not forget about the means of protection against insects that are here are very annoying.
As to the time at which lives in Canberra, the time zone of the city - UTC + 10.
Canberra today
As of today, the city has concentrated all political power of the country.There is not only the seat of government, but also the embassies of other countries.One of the most visited cities in the world foreign tourists in recent years it has become a Canberra.The capital of Australia, even though it boasts a very low crime rate.If here and there are serious offenses, they instantly become public.The probability of becoming a victim of fraud or pickpockets virtually zero.
