26 Things You Might Not Know About Australia

Geographic and Nature Facts

1. Island, Country, Continent

   • Australia is an island, a country, and a continent.
   • It's the largest island and sixth-largest country, but the smallest continent.
   • Width is comparable to the distance between London and Moscow.

2. Unique Fauna

   • Home to exotic species like koalas, quokkas, platypuses, wombats, emus, and kangaroos.
   • Platypuses and echidnas are rare egg-laying mammals.

3. Rich in Reptiles

   • Over 750 reptile species, more than any other country.
   • Includes the saltwater crocodile, the largest reptile.

4. Dangerous Creatures

   • Home to 21 of the world's 25 most venomous snakes.
   • Includes the deadly blue-ringed octopus, stonefish, and box jellyfish.

5. Great Barrier Reef

   • Largest coral reef system, visible from space.

6. Kgari (Fraser Island)

   • Largest sand island in the world.

Cultural and Social Aspects

1. Australian Slang

   • "Bloke" (man), "sheila" (woman), "arvo" (afternoon), "vego" (vegetarian).
   • Entrees are appetizers, not main courses.

2. Voting

   • Compulsory for citizens 18+.
   • Non-voters are fined.

3. Aboriginal History

   • Aborigines have lived in Australia for over 60,000 years.
   • Oldest continuous culture on Earth.

4. Penal Colony History

   • New South Wales was initially a penal colony.
   • 162,000 convicts transported between 1788 and 1868.

5. Greek Population

   • Largest Greek population outside Greece is in Melbourne.

6. Vegemite

   • Popular Australian food spread, rich in B vitamins.

Interesting Facts

1. Driving

   • Drive on the left side of the road.

2. Metric System

   • Use of metric measurements for distance and weight.

3. Climate System

   • Celsius system for temperature.

4. Kangaroos and Emus

   • Featured on the coat of arms as they can't walk backward - symbolizing progress.

5. Beaches

   • Over 10,000 beaches.

6. Tipping Culture

   • Tipping is voluntary, not expected, due to high minimum wage.

City and Infrastructure

1. Canberra

   • Capital city, chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne.

2. Nullarbor Plain

   • One of the flattest places on Earth with the longest straight road.

3. Sydney Opera House

   • Iconic architectural structure.

These points highlight Australia's uniqueness in geography, wildlife, culture, and social practices, providing a comprehensive overview of what makes Australia an interesting and distinct location.