Australia at a Glance

Country:  Commonwealth of Australia
Government:  Federal parliamentary state with two legislative houses
Population: 21.3 million
Area:  2,966,150 miles² (7,686,850 km²);slightly smaller than the "lower 48" in U.S.
Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast
Major language(s): English
Major religion(s):  26% Anglican, 26% Roman Catholic, 24% other Christian
Capital & population: Canberra, 340,700
Monetary unit: A$ (Australian dollar)