What are Australia's indigenous people
aborigines
Why is Australia called the "Land Down Under"?
Located entirely under the equator
What kind of government does Australia have?
(2 options)
Parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
What does GDP stand for?
Gross Domestic Product
How many states and territories are in Australia?
6 states, 2 main territories
What stories do Aborigines tell to explain the creation of Australia?
dreamtime stories "dreaming"
Name three major physical features of Australia (not any water)
Uluru, Great Barrier Reef, Great Victoria Desert, Great Dividing Range
Who is the head of state for Australia?
Monarch, King Charles III
What is Australia’s GDP compared to the United States?
Around $1.3 trillion; it is less than the United States
Why was Australia initially used during British colonization?
Penal colony; prisoners were sent to Australia
How did the first British settlers harm the Aborigines?
(name 2 ways)
Diseases and guns
What is Australia's most famous, sacred, land feature?
Uluru (Ayer's Rock)
Who elects the members of Australia’s parliament?
The citizens
What is the literacy rate in Australia?
99%
Who represents the Monarch in Australia?
The Governor General
What is the group in Australia with the worst living conditions?
Aborigines
Where are most of Australia's cities located and why?
Southeast coast; because of the climate
What is unique about Australia's voting laws?
Citizens are required to vote from 18-70
Name two major trading partners of Australia.
China and Japan
What did the prime minister apologize for in 2008?
For the mistreatment of Aboriginal people
In what region of the world did the first inhabitants of Australia arrive from?
Southeast Asia
What is the main type of land & climate in southwest Australia?
Desert, hot & dry
What is the capital of Australia?
Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory
What type of economic system does Australia have?
Mixed economy
Who has the most power in the Australian government?
Prime Minister