Australia

Basic Information

• Location: Australia is a country and a continent located in the southeast of Asia, between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
• Size: It is the sixth largest country in the world and the smallest continent. (7,688,287 km²)
• Capital: Canberra, founded in 1913, is the capital city and the seat of the government and the Federal Parliament.
• Major Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are some of the major cities.
• Government System: Federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy comprised six states and ten territories.

Geography

• Deserts: Two-thirds of Australia is made up of deserts, including the Great Victoria Desert, the Great Sandy Desert, the Gibson Desert, and the Simpson Desert.
• Mountain Ranges: The highest parts of Australia are the Australian Alps, with the highest peak being Mount Kosciuszko at 2,230 meters.
• Rivers: The Murray and Darling rivers are significant water sources for agriculture and urban areas.
• Climate: Australia experiences a variety of climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. The interior is mostly arid or semi-arid.

Population

• Demographics: Australia has a population of around 25 million people. The majority are of British origin, with significant communities of other European, Asian, and Indigenous Australian descent.
• Urbanization: About 85% of the population lives in urban areas, mostly along the coast.

History

• Discovery: Australia was discovered by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1770.
• Colonization: Initially used as a penal colony by the British, Australia saw significant population growth during the gold rush of the 1850s.
• Indigenous Australians: The Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants, having lived in Australia for over 40,000 years. They have a rich cultural heritage and have contributed significantly to Australian society.

Economy

• Industries: Major industries include mining, agriculture, and services. Australia is a leading exporter of coal, iron ore, and natural gas.
• Currency: The Australian dollar (AUD) is the official currency.

Culture

• Language: English is the primary language, with Australian English having a distinct accent and vocabulary. Other languages spoken include Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, and Greek.
• Sports: Popular sports include cricket, rugby, Australian Rules football, and soccer.
• Holidays: Australia Day (January 26), ANZAC Day (April 25), and the King’s Birthday are significant public holidays.

Landmarks

• Natural: The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the Outback are iconic natural landmarks.
• Urban: The Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are famous man-made landmarks.

Canada

Basic Information

• Location: Canada is located in the northern part of North America, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean.
• Size: It is the second largest country in the world by total area. (9,984,670 km²)
• Capital: Ottawa.
• Major Cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
• Government System: Parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy in the Westminster system.

Geography

• Regions: Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories. The provinces include Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, and others.
• Natural Features: Canada is known for its vast and diverse landscapes, including The Rocky Mountains, the Great Lakes, and the Canadian Shield. The highest peak in Canada is Mount Logan at 5,959 m
• Climate: The climate varies from temperate on the west coast to subarctic and arctic in the north. Winters can be very cold, especially in the interior and Prairie provinces.

Population

• Demographics: Canada has a population of about 38 million people. It is a multicultural society with significant communities of Indigenous peoples, as well as immigrants from Europe, Asia, and other regions.
• Languages: Canada has two official languages, English and French. French is predominantly spoken in Quebec.

History

• Discovery and Colonization: The land was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples. European exploration began with the Norse around 1000 AD, followed by John Cabot in 1497. French and British colonization began in the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Confederation: Canada became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire in 1867.

Economy

• Industries: Major industries include natural resources (oil, gas, minerals), manufacturing, and services. Canada is a leading exporter of timber, wheat, and seafood.
• Currency: The Canadian dollar (CAD).

Culture

• Sports: Ice hockey and lacrosse are the national sports. Other popular sports include basketball, soccer, and Canadian football.
• Holidays: Canada Day (July 1), Thanksgiving (the second Monday in October), and Victoria Day (the last Monday before May 25).

Landmarks

• Natural: Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Northern Lights.
• Urban: CN Tower in Toronto, Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and Old Quebec City.

New Zealand

Basic Information

• Location: New Zealand is in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, about 2,000 kilometres southeast of Australia.
• Size: It consists of two main islands (North Island and South Island) and numerous smaller islands. (263,310 km²)
• Capital: Wellington.
• Major Cities: Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Dunedin.
• Government System: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.

Geography

• Natural Features: New Zealand is known for its dramatic landscapes, including mountains, forests, and beaches. The Southern Alps run along the South Island, with Mount Cook being the highest peak.
• Climate: The climate is generally temperate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

Population

• Demographics: New Zealand has a population of about 5 million people. The population includes a mix of European (Pākehā), Māori, Asian, and Pacific Islander descent.
• Languages: English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages.

History

• Discovery and Colonization: The Māori people settled in New Zealand around 1300 AD. The first European to sight New Zealand was Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. British explorer James Cook mapped the islands in 1769.
• Colonization: New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• New Zealand was the first country to introduce a minimum wage and to give women the right to vote.

Economy

• Industries: Major industries include agriculture, horticulture, fishing, forestry, and tourism. New Zealand is known for its dairy products, meat, and wine.
• Currency: The New Zealand dollar (NZD).

Culture

• Sports: Rugby is the most popular sport, with the national team, the All Blacks, being world-renowned. Other popular sports include cricket, netball, and sailing.
• Holidays: Waitangi Day (February 6), ANZAC Day (April 25), and Christmas Day (December 25).

Landmarks

• Natural: Fiordland National Park, Tongariro National Park, and the geothermal areas of Rotorua.
• Urban: Sky Tower in Auckland, Te Papa Museum in Wellington, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Practice

Quizlet

Wordwall

Blooket