Lets go to Australia! MOS-121 Peretyatko Nikita

Some facts Australia is one of the largest countries (6 th place in the world), but in the same time it is the smallest continent (its area is 9 million km, what is in one and a half times smaller, than Antarctica) More than 80% Australian animals are endemic (live only here) Australian population density is one of the lowest in the world: it is only 2.8 people per km 2 Australians informally call their country Oz

History marks Before opening Australia people thought, that there was a big unknown continent, called Terra Australis Incognita in the South. Australia was opened in 1606 by Willem Janszoon, and by 1650 Australia was rather distinctly traced on cards. First Britain colony was founded on 26 January in Now 26 January is the national holiday in Australia. On January 1, 1901 by decade of planning, consultations and votes the Australian Union was based. Abel Tasman and his card of New Holland

Climate Australia is located in three climatic belts: subequatorial (in the north), tropical (in the central part), subtropical (in the south). ¾ part of Australia are deserts and semi-deserts. In the south-east climate is temperate. Most part of Australian rivers and lakes are drying up or salty.

Australian English In Australia there is own dialect of English which is informally called «strine». The new millennium, or zero years as it is called on a local slang, proclaimed the beginning of a new era of the Australian slang. Before our eyes there is a decisive battle. The inflow of the American slang brought by mass media, with indefatigable force falls upon a bastion of traditional primordial lexicon. Macquarie Dictionary.

Political symbols Australia, as any other country, has their own political symbols. The flag of Australia is a rectangular panel of dark blue color on which are represented a flag of Great Britain, a star of Commonwealth and Southern Cross. The coat of arms of Australia is a board on which the coats of arms of states are presented. Over a board «the Commonwealth Star» over blue and gold wreaths is located heptahedral. Six beams of a star represent 6 states, and the seventh represents set of territories and Australia. The board is held by kangaroos and an emu. The national anthem of Australia «Advance Australia Fair». It is composed by Peter McCormik in This anthem in 1984 replaced British «God Save The Queen».

National currency The national currency of Australia is Australian dollar. It was introduced into circulation on February 14, 1966 and replaced duodecimal Australian pound. Australian dollar is the first plastic money in the world. The rate of the Australian dollar to the ruble on is

The largest cities The most well-known cities in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Sydney is the biggest city in Australia. 4.5 million people live in it. The main sights are Sydney Opera House, Australian Museum and Harbour Bridge. Melbourne is the second-large city in Australia. It is often called «the sports and cultural capital» of the country. It had been the capital since 1901 till Canberra is the capital of Australia. In 1908 the territory of modern Canberra was chosen as future capital of the Australian Union that became a compromise between two largest cities of the country, Sydney and Melbourne, competing among themselves for this status.

Population Today the population of Australia is 23 million people. The big contribution to an increase in population is created by immigration to the country. Today Australian population consist of: 1)31,13% Australians 2)29,65% English 3)9,08% Irish 4)7,16% Scots 5)4,29% Italians 6)4,09% Germans 7)3,37% Chinese …2,3% natives …0.3% Russian

Education system Education system in Australia is three-stage: primary education, secondary education and tertiary education. Pupils learn at school 12 years. Academic year starts in February and finishes in December. Mark system is: 1)High Distinction (HD) 5+ 2) Distinction (D) 5 3)Credit (C) 4 4)Pass (P) 3 5)Conceded Pass (CP) 2 6)Fail (F) 1

Animals As Ive said before, most of Australian animals are endemics. Australia is famous for its animals. These are kangaroo, platypus, koala, dingo, echidna, lyrebird, kiwi, emu and many others.

Movie Australian and American- Australian actors are famous all over the world. The most famous are Nicole Kidman, Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Chris Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving, Hugh Jackman and many others. Among teenagers such series, asSkippy the Bush Kangaroo, H2O:Just add water or Blue Water High are popular.

Sport Sports play so important role in country life that it is called «national religion». According to poll, the greatest interest among adult audience is caused by cricket, swimming, tennis, the Australian football and football. Most of all medals on Olympic Games the country was brought by swimming, track and field athletics and cycling. Leisel Jones – triple champion of Olympics in swimming Anna Meares - tenfold world champion in track cycle races.

Music In Australia one of the oldest wind instruments in the world didgeridoo was invented. Today some Australian rock groups are famous all over the world. They are Bee Gees, AC/DC, Nick Cave, INXS and others. Some well-known pop performers have the Australian origin. They are Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, Olivia Newton-John and others.

Mass-media Press Among daily newspapers there are 2 national, 10 newspapers of states, 37 regional and 470 other local and suburban newspapers. In Australia 1600 magazines are issued. Radio The first broadcast in the country began on November 13, Today in Australia 274 commercial and 341 public radio stations work. Television The television in Australia appeared in 1956, color TV appeared in 1975.