International BusinessChapter 4: Importing, Exporting, and International TradeWorld Market Passport
The Environment Australia may be on the world's smallest continent, Australia/Oceania, but it measures up as the sixth largest country. Located between the Indian and South Pacific oceans, Australia's climate varies from temperate in the south and east, to tropical in the north. Its terrain features mostly low plateaus and deserts, with fertile plains in the southeast. The Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast is the largest coral reef in the world, and the tropical sea breezes near Perth are among the most consistent winds anywhere. Australia is known for its beautiful and expansive beaches, modern cities, and welcoming atmosphere. History Aboriginal settlers from Southeast Asia occupied Australia some 70,000 years before the Europeans began exploring it in the 17th century. By 1770, Great Britain claimed the territory and six colonies were eventually created. The colonies federated and the country gained its independence to become the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. Rapidly developing industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, helped Australia contribute to the British efforts of World War I and II. In the 1990s, the country became one of the fastest growing economies and has transformed itself into an internationally competitive and advanced market economy. Culture and People Australia's population of over 20 million people are mainly concentrated along the eastern and southern coasts. English is the official language and the main ethnic group is Caucasian (92 percent), followed by Asian (seven percent). Australia's government is a federal parliamentary democracy, and its western-style capitalist economy is based on strong business and consumer confidence. Australians are generally perceived as adventurous and fun loving. Click to hear the music of Australia.
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