Australia - a country about which we read with delight as a child and grew up, trying to find any possible - both conceivable and do incredible - ways to at least once in their life to visit this region.Only here you can find unseen animals stand at the funny trees, swim in the sea, watching the bustle of rainbow reef fish.
And what do we know about the continent, its climate, history, symbols, traditions and culture?If you look, you will find that not so much.School textbooks on geography talk first of all about the fact that Australia - a country that can be without any problems found in the southeastern part of the map.It is so big that the problems with the recognition certainly not there.But this, you see, so little for the vast continent.
This article is not only to acquaint the reader with the most important information, it will make this country so much love to start saving money for the trip.
Section 1. General description
Pick up the globe and notice carefully.As you know, Australia - the continent at the bottom of the layout of the land, approximately south-east of the capital of the Russian Federation.On all sides it is washed by the warm waters that grace affects both the economic and ecological situation in the country.By the way, not to mention the fact that your world around Australia is not only protects, she tries in every way to multiply it by creating a virtually unique conditions for representatives of the local flora and fauna.
just a few decades of its independent existence of the state, as they say, perk, and now plays an important role in the world.The standard of living in the region is considered one of the highest in the world, and thanks to clean air and rivers of the people here are rarely susceptible to bronchial diseases.
Section 2. Opening Australia
To date, based on historical facts, we can say that the first humans appeared on the continent 40-60 thousand years ago, that is. E., At the time of Tasmania and NewGuinea is still part of the mainland.
The official opening took place in Australia in 1606, when the famous explorer Willem Janszoon came to its shores on his ship named "Dayfken."At the same time, Australia was named New Holland, and for some time, came under the control of the Netherlands.In fact, the Dutch territory has never mastered.
later rushed to the continent a whole string of researchers.Among them the most famous are considered Luís Vaz de Torres (1606), Dirk Hartog (1616), Frederick de Houtman (1619), Abel Tasman (1644) and James Cook (1770. As a result of these campaigns was compiled a detailed map of the country and discovered some islandsAustralia.
From 1788 to 1901 the continent is almost completely fell into dependence on the British Kingdom. The Europeans have formed colonies, built houses and tried to set up production, took over the construction of the railway passing through the entire continent. As if the positive changes there, live and be happyand indigenous people continued to die, drastically reduced in numbers. The main reasons were several. First of all, of course, this is due to different kinds of epidemics, suddenly erupted across the continent because of the imported European diseases to which immunity from local residents,accordingly, it was not.
However, in some parts of the country it was possible to observe events which now could easily fall under the category of genocide of local populations.The fact that he arrived in Australia very often force the white kids were taken from Aboriginal people.The objectives pursued in this very different: someone tried to, in accordance with the fashion of that time who adopted a black child to then take him home with them.Some simply trained from childhood kids all the tricks of household management, in fact, turning to the servants and denying full life.
final independence from Britain in Australia managed to get only in the 20th century.
Section 3. Australia today
To date, the state develops from year to year, maintaining and establishing both diplomatic and economic relations with all countries of the world, still preferring the Pacific States.
official language Australia - English, apparently, so problems with communication at the level of the international community from the locals just do not arise.Most maintained close business ties with the US, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.In addition, Australia is actively assisting developing countries.
Section 4. The State symbols of the country
Some choose one character of Australia, of course, impossible.As in our country, there are at least three: the flag, emblem and anthem.Each of them will try to talk in more detail.
flag is a rectangular cloth.The dominant color - blue.Not everyone knows that in general, the symbol of Australia consists of three main elements, approved at the legislative level - the flag of Great Britain, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross constellation.
Stars talks about the number of states that make up the state.Here are six of them: Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia.
coat of arms - a kind of shield, which in turn is displayed symbols of each of the states.Just below the posted Commonwealth Star.The shield is supported by two animals typical of the continent - emu and kangaroo.
national anthem of the country is very symbolic name - Advance Australia Fair, which translated into our native Russian language means "Flourish, my beautiful Australia."In 1878, the song was offered a prominent art Peter McCormick.He was admitted on the recommendation of the Government, before the official song of Australia considered the song "God Save the Queen."
Section 5. Climate and location features
Australia - the continent that can actually boast the presence of a completely different climate.There is known, there are nine deserts.One of the driest and largest deserts of the world - Victoria - also belong to this part of the world.To live here is quite difficult - perhaps not all of us are in such areas where the precipitation falls as rain on the strength of 10-15 times a year, and the snow did not happen.Modern man is certainly not survive, but the local Aboriginal tribes, particularly Kogarah and mirning believe Victoria their home.
geographic characteristics of Australia, however, does not end there.Scientists say that the snow here in the Australian Alps, falls considerably more than the world-famous ski resorts in Switzerland.That is why in areas such as Queensland, South Wales and Victoria, winter sports for many years considered one of the most popular.
oceans washing the Australia, too, contribute to the formation of the local climate, bringing the year on the coast abundant monsoons and trade winds.
Section 6. Relief and natural resources
In general, it should be noted that most of the country is desert, and various kinds of depression.Only in the east are mountains, which, according to experts, can be considered not only low, but also dilapidated.This is called the Hercynian folding of the Great Dividing Range.It reaches its maximum level in the south, towering mountain peaks such as Kosciuszko and Townsend, whose height barely exceeds 2,200 meters.
lowest point on the continent is considered to be Lake Eyre, a few centuries ago appeared at a depth of -15 meters in relation to sea level.
Hardly anyone would deny the fact that the main wealth of the country can be considered its mineral resources.In fact, compared with the average world indicator of the country provided them 20 times.It occupies a leading position in the world in the number of developments.For example, Australia owns the 2nd position in bauxite and zirconium, 1st - uranium reserves.Today is actively mining of manganese, diamonds and gold.There
the country and its own deposits of gas and oil.Of course, they are clearly not enough to establish commercial deliveries to other parts of the world, but they also purchase the state does not need.
Section 7. The fauna of the continent
unique nature - it is certainly one of the reasons to visit the country.At first glance, difficult to imagine that in Australia today is home to about 380 different species of mammals, about 830 species of birds, more than 4,000 species of fish, as well as scholars have identified 140 species of snakes and almost 300 species of lizards.By the way, there are many marine animals - 50 species.
probably about Great Coral Reef heard everyone.And this is not surprising, because at school we remember that it is the largest structure of this kind of all prostroennyh nature on Earth.The length of the organic form is 2000 km and it is located just off the coast of Queensland in the Coral Sea.
It should be noted that 80% of the fauna you will not find anywhere else on the planet.Although watch koalas, dingoes, kangaroos, impish, platypus, wombats and wallabies in the wild is unlikely.Anyone interested is recommended to go to one of the many nature reserves, the most popular of which are considered tropical park (Port Douglas) reserve "Healesville" (Victoria) and the wildlife park "Cleland" (South Australia).
Section 8. Animals continent and worldwide problems
course, the most interest among visitors are exactly the marsupials of Australia.Why is that?The fact is that the representatives of this species of living creatures found only in this continent, and therefore each of them can be considered unique.
However, despite all the efforts made by the Government and relevant organizations, their number from year to year is still continuing to decline dramatically.First of all, the fault of the human factor.As a result of deforestation lost natural habitat, many animals are killed by a car or attacked by domestic dogs.
But there are times when experts can not accurately determine the cause of death of the unique beasts.For example, the koalas are subject to rare diseases chlamydia, and at this stage, scientists have no choice but to vaccinate every single animal.To do this twice a year in the forest sent hundreds of volunteer teams.
Australia grows huge amounts of poppy cultivation is gaining in recent years greater and greater speed.Of course, this kind of business has a beneficial effect on the economy, but at the same time causes a significant blow to the animal world.The fact that some representatives of the local fauna literally love feast poppy fruits, and in the end, fall into complete their dependence, becoming so-called addicts in animal guise.Today, across the country, it was decided the Protection of land from penetration of kangaroos and other instances.
gaining momentum and construction of a hospital for wild animals.Now, if necessary, by calling the special toll-free number to inform professionals about being sick or injured.Help the poor thing will be provided almost immediately.These clinics, both ordinary and mobile, are funded from the public purse.And as the official language of English Australia, almost never have problems with finding sponsors and patrons from all over the globe.
Section 9. The flora of the southern continent
continent itself, and indeed the island of Australia, has a rather unusual flora.At present, there are nearly more than 27 000 species of flora, including available and some fossil plants, the most interesting specimens of which can be called Sweet Pea Sturt desert, telopeyu, banksia and kangaroo paw.
Travelers often surprised local Acacia, popularly called Australian mimosa, eucalyptus, cypress pine, tea trees and mangroves.
However, perhaps the most unusual plants can be called Platypus orchid.Man, this stunning colors representative of the class of plants resemble small and very funny duck.But male sawfly sees them female, and thus immediately fly toward the mysterious stranger.As a result, it is within the plant having a sticky and base of the flower stems.While the poor insect tries to free himself from the grip of the platypus orchids, she, in turn, generously lavishes its pollen.Escape to freedom, the male flies to the following plants, pollinating it, and thereby further spreading.
Section 10 Capital of Australia - the most unusual on the planet
Only the most, as they say, geographically savvy people can immediately reply that the main city of the country is not Sydney or Melbourne, as is commonly believed, and a modest Canberra.Why is that?
explanation sounds quite simple: tolerant Australians so long to give the palm to one of the two largest cities in the country, that in the end it was decided to transfer it to a third party.Canberra also has been selected by chance, once settlements located approximately midway between the two metropolises.
Section 10 major cities
Australia ... Briefly describe the country is unlikely to succeed, and its villages, and even more so.One thing is for sure - each of them can be considered unique corners of our planet.
Sydney - a place where culture is closely and have, perhaps, is inextricably intertwined with art and monuments of nature.Hallmark of the city, both in principle and the whole country is Sydney Quay, walking on which, like the locals, and many tourists can admire the views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Melbourne is famous for an abundance of shops, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.And here you can taste the delicacies prepared by chefs from almost any corner of the globe.
in Brisbane in the first place should go to all lovers of wildlife, such as zoos.I think that's why there are so many travelers with children.
Adelaide - is a resort town, all over the world attracting vacationers lovers of snow-white beaches, azure sea surface and gentle sun.
Section 11. Unusual facts about Australia
- Australia - a country with the longest fence in the world.It was built to protect the fertile lands from potential pests, wild dingo dogs.The length of the construction of a huge number of kilometers in 5614.The country's budget this fence were, of course, as they say, a lot of money, but the only way you can protect them from predators grown cattle here.
- Do you come across like a map of Australia?If so, you probably noticed, is so huge this continent.Nevertheless, the government is trying to do everything possible and sometimes impossible, to ensure that local residents are comfortable and safe.That's what made the decision on the establishment of the so-called "flying doctors".Now, if necessary, specialists can come to the aid of even the most remote corners of the continent.
- People Australia very often as the main occupation selected farming.This is not surprising, because the continent today is the largest planet pasture on which graze every day about 100 million sheep and 16,000 cattle.
- Many years ago, Australia was the place to sign the 160,000 immigrants from the UK.The opening took place in Australia, and almost immediately pulled the court here, loaded with convicts.Not everyone was able to get to the mainland, many died on the way, and not waiting for the land on the horizon.
