Some Interesting Bits About Australia

For many people, Australia is a rather interesting and exciting place that they want to explore. This is the reason why countless of applicants troops the Australian immigration services yearly in order to get hold of their Australia visas. However, even before you fill up your own Australia visa application form, here are some interesting facts that you might want to know about the country.

First up, most of us have already known since grade school that Australia is the smallest continent in the entire world. However, some experts also consider Australia as the world's world's largest island. This one is due to the fact that there are some evidences that Greenland, the currently consider largest island, might in fact be three smaller islands. This one is not official yet, though, as they need up to gather more proof.

Regarding animals, Australia has the largest population of marsupial (pouch bearing) mammals in the entire world. In fact, this is where all marsupials can only be found, with the sole exception of a single specie of opossum found in North America (the smallest population). If you are not familiar with them, the famous kangaroo belongs to this group.

And here's one thing that you really haven't heard about Australian wildlife? Did you know that Australia has the largest population of wild camels in the whole world? These are of the one humped specie and inhabit the country's inland desert. And you thought that camels can only be found in Saudi Arabia.

And while you're at it, exploring Australia's natural wonders, it would be a good idea to travel to the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is recorded as the longest coral formation in the entire planet, with a total length of 2,012.5 km circling the whole continent. In fact, it is so large that it can actually be seen from outer s0pace. And here's an interesting bit of trivia, since the coral reef is made of of living animals (coral polyps) it can also be counted ass the worlds largest organism.

After delving with the country's natural wonders, it's time to take a peek at the people living in the country. One thing that you might not have known before is that Australia was originally a large penal colony for British convicts during the 19th century. In fact, 25% of all the locals living in the country today are descendants of these prisoners. Also, the second largest population of Greeks aren't found in Greece, but rather in Melbourne.

You will be able to learn more interesting facts about Australia once you get there. And you will surely be delighted in knowing them.