Resources
Australia
A consecutive fourth term gives John Howard’s centre-right coalition the chance to forge ahead with reforms. However, growth has slowed and interest rates are on a rising trend. - -
Content
Lucky Country prospers riding the commodities wave
This month’s police swoop in Sydney and Melbourne to arrest 17 suspected Islamist terrorists shattered the sense of security felt by Australians, most of whom have never had it so good.
The China effect: Both a threat and an opportunity
When Australians talk about China, there are typically two themes: fear and promise.
Economy: Resources boom may mask problems
Heady decade and a half of expansion may falter as interest rates rise and productivity falls.
Barnaby Joyce: A thorn in Howard’s side
Barnaby Joyce gives the government a one-seat majority in the upper house – when he chooses to.
Environment: Saying no to Kyoto
One of the biggest users and exporters of fossil fuels, the country has sided with the US on Kyoto.
Patently some way still to go in fostering innovation
Australia is not “lucky” when it comes to innovation.
Australia key facts
- Official name: Commonwealth of Australia
- Capital: Canberra
- Population: 19.9 million
- Currency: Australian dollar
- Official language: English
Introduction
The world's sixth-largest country, Australia is an island continent located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its varied landscapes include tropical rainforests, the deserts of the arid "red center," snowcapped mountains, rolling tracts of pastoral land, and magnificent beaches. Famous natural features include Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef, while Sydney boasts the world-renowned Opera House. Around 90% of Australians live near the coast, and all the state capitals are coastal cities. Only Canberra, the national capital, lies inland. The vast interior is dotted with large nature reserves and some communities of the small Aboriginal population.
