Australia is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Its capital is Canberra, located in the southeast between the larger and more important economic and cultural centers of Sydney and Melbourne.

Australia’s established world reputation has long been that of a wealthy, underpopulated country and today the population consists of more than 270 ethnic groups.

According to the United Nations, Australia is the second-best country in the world to live, due to its excellent quality of life index.