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Australia is the sixth largest country in
the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA
and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density
in the world - only two people per square kilometre. |
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The kangaroo is unique to Australia and one of our most easily recognised
mammals. There are more kangaroos in Australia now than when Australia
was first settled. Estimates suggest around 40 million. Australia boasts
over 7,000 beaches - more than any other nation. Australia produces 95
per cent of the world's precious opals and 99 per cent of black opals.
Coober Pedy in South Australia is known as the opal capital of the world.
Its population is made up of more than 40 nationalities and, with year-round
extremes in temperature, more than 50 per cent of the population live
in below-ground 'dugouts'. |
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Australia
supports at least 25,000 species of plants, while Europe only supports
17,500.
Australia produces 95 per cent of the world's precious opals and 99 per
cent of black opals. |
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Spending
Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange but Australia's
seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere - summer officially
starts in December and winter in June. But even in winter you'll enjoy
blue skies and warm, bright days.
This is a report for Sydney Airport, Australia . The report was made 56
minutes ago, at 03:00 UTC.
The temperature was 23 °C ( 73 °F)
There were a few clouds at a height of 1372 meter ( 4500 feet). The overall
visibility was greater than 10 kilometers ( 6.2 miles). |
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Australia's
climate and the fact that it is the driest continent on earth makes it
a fabulous holiday destination all year round, whatever you're planning
to do. In the Australian winter you can ski in the southern states one
day and be diving in the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland
the next. Such temperate conditions make al fresco dining, sublime days
on the beach or the water, outdoor barbeques, and a huge variety of sports
a way of life here. No wonder Aussies believe life is for living! |
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