Australia is a country of dramatic landscapes. Sun drenched beaches and tropical rain forests. Its area of over seven million square kilometers makes it one and a half times the size of Europe and close in size to mainland United States.

Climate
Australia’s climate varies. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate - characterized by humid heat in summer and less variation in temperature throughout the year (for example, Darwin and Cairns).

The temperature in the southern part of Australia has four distinct seasons: Summer (December to February), Autumn (March to May), Winter (June to August) and Spring (September to November).

Tasmania is generally colder, year round, than the rest of Australia. Expect temperature extremes (hot in summer, cold in winter) in Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra. Winters are not so cold in Sydney, while the average daily temperature in Brisbane is usually around 20 C. Perth has hot summers and a distinct winter season.

People
Australia’s population has more than doubled since the end of World War Two and is now over 18 million. Due to extensive immigration, Australian cities have a distinctly cosmopolitan flavor. While most of the early immigration was from Britain and Europe, the last decade has seen an increase in the number of Asians emigrating to Australia.

Culture and Sports
The cultural life in Australia is richly diverse and exciting, offering world class opera, chamber and symphony orchestras, theatre, rock concerts, modern dance and classical ballet, art and craft galleries, comedy and cabaret, musicals and Broadway shows.

Australians are keen participants and viewers of sport and outdoor activities. Australia was the host nation for the 2000 Olympic Games which was held in Sydney in September 2000.