Economy

Australia is called a “lucky country”. Australia has a strong economy and is self-sufficient in food production. Australia exports many minerals, including iron ore, bauxite, diamonds, coal, silver, gold, and copper.

Australia is the world's leading exporter of wool and beef. It also ranks high in sheep production. Australia also exports wheat; meat, cane sugar, fruit, ores and concentrates, hides and skins, butter, flour, barley and lead.

Australia imports machinery, vehicles, fertilizers, textiles, petroleum products, chemicals and paper. The country's manufacturing industry supplies domestic and export demand. In 1970 natural gas was discovered. Oil and natural gas have helped to build big industries. The main ports are Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, and Melbourne.

Inflation is about 3%. The currency is the Australian dollar. Real domestic product per capita is $18,220. Poverty does exist but the poor have the potential to earn a decent income.

The transportation system includes taxis, rental cars, interstate bus lines, and an extensive airline system. Australia has the Flying Doctor Service. Its doctors fly 3 million km a year. Most well to do families have a light airplane. The Able Tasman overnight ferry travels from Victoria to Tasmania.

Melbourne has an extensive tram system. Australia ranks fifth in the world in number of automobiles per capita. Many families own two cars. Australians drive on the left side of the road.

Nearly all Australians have telephone. There are some communication network companies. ABC is Australian Broadcasting Cooperation. Australia has 60 daily newspapers: Melbourne Herald, Sun News Pictorial, The national daily is The Australian.

Australia has a variety of tourist attractions. They include wild life, sandy beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, the Australian Alps and many points of historic interest. Over million tourists visit Australia every year. Half of them come from NZ. Only 1% of all American tourists visit Australia.

National health-care system, called Medicare, is financed by a 1.25 $ income tax. It covers all care provided by public-hospital doctors. 70% of all hospitals are public. There is also a private health-care system. The infant mortality rate is 7 per 1,000; life expectancy is 81.

The Armed Forces consist of the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air force. The three services make up a united command called the Australian Defence Force. The Defence Forces has 70,000 men and women. All military service is voluntary.