Australia is a state that is located in the southern hemisphere and is considered the smallest continent. The country consists of six states governed by governors and two territories. Not everyone knows what form of government is in Australia, so in the article we will look at this topic.
Description
The head of the country is the Queen of Britain. It is represented by the Governor General. Australia is a former colony and therefore part of the British Commonwe alth. The dominant religion is Christianity and the main language is English. Australia, whose form of government is a constitutional monarchy, has its own laws and regulations, like any other country.
History of the State
Australia is considered a country of immigrants. The first natives came to the continent from Asia 50 thousand years ago. Before the arrival of Europeans, they were mainly engaged in gathering fruits and hunting. In the seventeenth century, Dutch sailors explored the coast. The development of the mainland began with John Cook, whodeclared the found lands New South Wales. In January 1788, a ship with British convicts arrived on the coast of the country, and on January 26 they began to land on the land of Australia. That is why this date is considered Australia Day. Sending convicts to the colonies lasted several decades, moreover, immigrants from the British Isles arrived on the mainland. The gold rush of 1850-1860, which at that time supplied a third of all the world's gold, had a huge impact on the state's economy.
A look at Australia. Capital Canberra, form of government
In 1927, the capital Canberra was artificially created. After that, it was singled out as an independent administrative unit. The creators built the capital to reconcile Melbourne and Sydney. Soon a legislative act was adopted - the Statute of Westminster, according to which the country gained complete independence in all internal and external affairs, while maintaining contact with the British government. Now the capital of Australia performs a single function - management. The House of Parliament is located there, as well as the headquarters of all political, public and state organizations.
Australia. Form of government and state structure
Executive power is vested in the government, which is headed by the prime minister. The party that wins the most votes in the general election forms the government. Australia, whose form of government is a constitutional monarchy, is a country with its own laws. This form of government means that the country is ruled by a monarch, but his powerlimited by the Constitution. Australia, whose form of government involves the formation of a federal state, along with the United Arab Emirates combines two or more state-territorial entities. At the same time, it retains political independence. Italy, Greece, Egypt, Cyprus are countries with a republican form of government. Australia is a federal state.
Interesting facts about Australia
1. The coat of arms of the country depicts an ostrich and a kangaroo. They were chosen because they can only move forward. This symbolizes the direction of the country's movement - only forward.
2. It is the driest inhabited continent on Earth.
3. It is the smallest continent and also the largest island on earth.
4. Most of the species of poisonous snakes live here. The coastal taipan, which is the most feared and venomous snake, is found in Australia. The poison contained in one bite of it is capable of killing a hundred people.
5. It is the only continent without a single volcano.
6. The mountains here get more snow each year than the Alps.
7. Here is the longest straight road in the world. Its length is 146 kilometers.
8. Australia, which has a constitutional monarchy, is one of the ten most sparsely populated countries in the world.
9. There are more than 10 thousand beaches in the country. If you go every day to a different beach, theneven in 27 years it is impossible to visit every one of them.
10. A lot of poisonous spiders live here. Moreover, two species of the most poisonous spiders in the world.
11. The country has the largest population of wild camels. There are about 750 thousand of them. Very often they harm the farms of local residents, so they are regularly shot to control the population.
12. The longest fence in the world was built in Australia. In length, it even exceeds the Chinese Wall, reaching almost six kilometers. As everyone knows, it was built to control the migration of dingoes.
13. Ugg boots are considered Australian boots. Australians claim these shoes were worn in the countryside as early as the early twentieth century.
14. About twenty million tons of wheat are grown in the country, a significant part of which is exported.
15. An architectural marvel is the Sydney Opera House. It consists of a thousand halls and can accommodate up to 5 thousand people.
16. The largest arch bridge Harbor Bridge is located here.
17. The country is among the top ten countries with the highest standard of living.
18. Due to the fact that the mainland is located in the southern hemisphere, there is summer heat at the time when we celebrate the New Year. Even the lunar disk is turned upside down.
19. Australians have the highest per capita literacy.
20. There are twice as many sheep on the continent as there are inhabitants.
21. For foreign students, the state provides benefits and good housing options.
22. More than a thirdresidents of the country refuse to marry.
23. Australians are considered one of the most gambling nations, so they spend more money on games than residents of other individual countries. One fifth of all poker machines in the world are made here.
24. All citizens of the country are required by law to vote. Anyone who, for any reason, did not appear at the polls must pay a fine.
25. It is not customary to leave a tip in the country, which sometimes affects the quality of service.
26. The houses here are poorly insulated, so when the temperature drops, the rooms get quite cold.
27. You can easily find kangaroo meat in local supermarkets. It is a he althy alternative to fatty lamb.
28. The cleanest air on the planet is in Tasmania.
29. This is the only continent on Earth that is occupied by one state.
30. A huge number of immigrants live here. Almost every 4th resident is from another country.
Conclusion
Australia is one of the most interesting countries on Earth. It is not like the others, so, probably, everyone would like to visit this wonderful continent at least once.