Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country and continent in the Southern Hemisphere, lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans. It is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area. Canberra is the capital, while Sydney and Melbourne are its largest cities. Australia is known for its unique flora and fauna, including eucalyptus trees, kangaroos, koalas, and the only egg-laying mammals on Earth, the platypus and echidna. The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast, is the largest coral reef system in the world and a major tourist attraction.
Australia's population of nearly 28 million is highly urbanized, with most people living near the eastern seaboard. The country is one of the most multicultural in the world, with a large percentage of foreign-born residents. Indigenous Australians have inhabited the continent for at least 65,000 years. Australia has a diverse range of climates and landscapes, from tropical rainforests to deserts. It's also one of the driest continents, with about 70% of its land being arid or semi-arid. Australia has a highly developed economy and is a major global trader.
