What is one of the most interesting facts about Australia?
Australia is often thought of as just another country, but it has some fascinating facts that might surprise you. From its unique flora and fauna to its dark past, there's a lot to discover.
Australia is not part of the USA!
Contrary to what some might think, Australia is not a part of the USA. If only it were! But instead, Australia is its own unique island continent, with a rich history and culture all its own.
Australia has three times more sheep than people
Did you know that Australia has three times as many sheep as its human population? According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are over 100 million sheep in Australia, compared to a human population of around 25 million. This is a fascinating fact that showcases the vastness and scale of Australia's farming industry.
The largest Greek population in the world is in Melbourne, Victoria
If you're a fan of Greek food and culture, you won't want to miss a visit to Melbourne, which has the largest Greek population in the world outside of Athens. Melbourne's Greek community is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, delicious food, and vibrant cultural events.
An Australian man tried to sell New Zealand on eBay
In 2002, an Australian man named Nigel Harding tried to sell New Zealand on eBay, asking $45,000,000 for the country. The bid didn't attract much attention, and the seller eventually gave up. However, this attempt to sell New Zealand highlights the unique and diverse nature of Australia, which has a history of interacting with its southern neighbor.
Australia is home to the longest fence in the world
One of the most remarkable features of Australia is the longest fence in the world, the Dingo Fence. Originally constructed to keep dingos away from fertile agricultural lands, this fence stretches for a whopping 5,614 km (3,548 miles) across the country. It's an incredible engineering feat and a testament to Australia's sustainable agriculture practices.
Australia's police force was made up of the best-behaved convicts
One of the most fascinating aspects of colonial-era Australia is that the very first police force was made up of the best-behaved convicts. This unusual arrangement demonstrates the unique social and legal history of the country and highlights the ingenuity of early colonial administrators.
A visit to Australia’s beaches would take 27 years
Australia is home to an incredible number of picturesque beaches, with over 9,100 in total. In fact, visiting one new beach every day would take more than 27 years! This vast network of beaches includes everything from dramatic rugged coastlines to powdery white sand beaches.
Australia's exotic flora and fauna are unique
One of the most remarkable things about Australia is the incredible diversity of its unique flora and fauna, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From the iconic koala and kangaroo to rare plants and insects, Australia's natural heritage is a true treasure.
Australia has the world's oldest fossils
Australia is home to the world's oldest known fossils, which are about 3.4 billion years old. These fossils provide a fascinating insight into the early history of life on Earth and demonstrate Australia's importance in the study of paleontology.
Australia's cleanest air
Tasmania is often referred to as the cleanest place on earth, and the entire country is known for having some of the cleanest air in the world. This is a result of Australia's natural isolation and its commitment to environmental conservation.
Australia's wine regions are diverse
Australia has over 60 separate wine regions, offering a diverse range of wines and an array of culinary delights. From the famous Barossa Valley to the Margaret River, Australia's wine regions are a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts.
A surprising fact about Uluru
Did you know that 2.5 km of Uluru is underground? This massive rock formation is one of the world's largest monoliths and is a sacred site for the Indigenous people of Australia.
Australia has a dark history
Apart from its natural wonders, Australia also has a more hidden, darker history that might surprise you. Australia was once home to a chemical weapons program and a rumored nuclear weapons program by proxy of a doomsday cult called Aum Shinrikyo. Despite being a signatory to both the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Australia allowed this cult to conduct dangerous experiments with chemical weapons.
Aum Shinrikyo's activities in Australia
Aum Shinrikyo, a notorious cult responsible for the Tokyo subway gas attacks, conducted experiments in Australia using a remote sheep station in Western Australia. While the Australian government was reportedly aware of their activities, the cult was only fined for improper chemicals importation and was allowed to continue their experiments. This is a dark but fascinating part of Australia's history that adds depth to its image.
Conclusion
Australia is a land of incredible diversity and fascinating history, from its unique flora and fauna to its dark secrets. Whether you're looking for stunning beaches, delicious wine, or hidden historical mysteries, Australia has it all. So, the next time you think of Australia, remember these interesting facts and explore this remarkable country further.