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Destination : AUSTRALIA

Apart from being one of the oldest continents, Australia is also the flattest and smallest one. The country has a population of about 19 million people, which gives a population density of 2.3 people per square kilometer. However, 70% of the population lives in the big cities.
Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to an independent republic, was defeated in 1999.

Australia is divided into six states - New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania - and two territories; the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The states and territories each have a capital city, flag, and even their own flora and fauna emblems.

Australia is also responsible for administering seven external territories: Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) Island, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands Territory, the Territory of Heard Island, Coral Sea Islands Territory, the sub Antarctic McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory.

State governments are modelled on the British Westminster system. Each state has a premier who is the leader of the political party on power. All states have an executive council consisting of the governor, state premier, and selected ministers.

State parliaments deal with domestic affairs such as education, transport, law enforcement, health services and agriculture as well as sharing mutual responsibilities with the federal parliament.

The powers and responsibilities of local governments vary from state to state, however they encompass community matters such as urban planning, roads, water resources, parks and recreation grounds, and public libraries.

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