Australia: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Australia 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Australia: 10
  • Happiness Score Australia:7.057

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Australia. AU.

    Australia is a country located in the southern hemisphere, known for its parliamentary democracy.

  • It is the sixth-largest country in the world by total area.
  • Australia is famous for its unique wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas.
  • The country has a strong economy, particularly in industries such as mining and agriculture.
  • Australia – A Comprehensive Overview

    Brief History: The first inhabitants of Australia were Aboriginal Australians, whose ancestors arrived on the Australian mainland around 50,000 years ago. The first European contact occurred in the 17th century, with the Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon landing on the Pennefather River in 1606. In 1770, Captain James Cook claimed the eastern coast for Great Britain, and the first British settlement was established at Sydney in 1788 as a penal colony. Throughout the 19th century, more settlements were established, and by the late 1800s, the six colonies had become self-governing with democratic parliaments.

    Indigenous Australians: The Aboriginal Australians are the indigenous peoples of mainland Australia, and the Torres Strait Islanders are the indigenous peoples of the islands of the Torres Strait, between Australia and New Guinea. They are believed to have arrived in Australia around 50,000 years ago and have a rich and diverse culture, encompassing hundreds of language groups and traditions.

    Federation and Modern Era: The six colonies federated in 1901, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia has since become a prosperous and stable democracy, with a strong economy and a high standard of living. It has played a significant role in international affairs, particularly during the two World Wars and in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Current Political Situation: Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with a democratically elected government and a bicameral parliament. The current Prime Minister is Anthony Albanese, who leads the Labor Party government. The country has a stable political system and a strong tradition of democracy and rule of law.

    International Relations: Australia has close ties with its allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. It is a member of various international organizations, such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the G20. Australia has also played an active role in regional forums like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the East Asia Summit (EAS).

    Economy and Human Development: Australia has a diversified and prosperous economy, with significant contributions from the services, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. It ranks highly on the Human Development Index and has a high standard of living. Major industries include mining, finance, healthcare, and tourism.

    Cultural Highlights: Australia is a multicultural society, with indigenous and immigrant cultures contributing to its rich diversity. English is the primary language, but many other languages are spoken. Notable cultural aspects include Australian Indigenous art, literature, music, film, sports (particularly cricket and Australian rules football), and cuisine influenced by various cultures.

    Challenges and Opportunities: Some of the key challenges facing Australia include environmental issues (such as climate change and water scarcity), reconciliation with Indigenous Australians, managing an aging population, and balancing economic growth with sustainability. Opportunities include further diversifying the economy, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional and global partnerships.

    Travel Tips for Australia

    • Best times to visit: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (December to February) is peak season, with hot weather and popular events.

    • Cultural etiquette: Australians value relaxed and informal interactions. Respect indigenous cultures and sites. Avoid making jokes about sensitive topics like race or religion.

    • Safety precautions: Australia is generally safe, but exercise caution with wildlife, sun exposure, and water activities. Carry sunscreen, stay hydrated, and follow local advisories.

    • Must-see landmarks: Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Melbourne’s laneways, and the Great Ocean Road are iconic destinations.

    • Culinary experiences: Try Australian specialties like flat whites, meat pies, lamingtons, and barbecued seafood. Explore local wineries and indigenous bush foods.

Main facts

Location

Australia is an island continent located in the Southern Hemisphere, situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It lies between the Indian and Pacific oceans, with the Timor Sea to the northwest separating it from the Indonesian archipelago. Australia shares maritime borders with Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia to the northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast.

Map References

Australia is located in the Oceania region and is the largest country in the Australian continent.

Area – Comparative

With an area of 7,692,024 square kilometers (2,969,907 square miles), Australia is slightly smaller than the contiguous United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Australia has no land borders with any country.

Coastline

Australia has a coastline of 25,760 kilometers (16,020 miles), featuring numerous beaches, bays, and inlets. Notable coastal features include the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, and the Ninety Mile Beach in Victoria.

Maritime Claims

Australia claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate

Australia has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. The northern regions experience a tropical climate with hot and humid summers, while the southern regions have a more temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The interior regions are predominantly arid or semi-arid.

Terrain

Australia’s landscape is dominated by low plateaus and deserts in the west, central plains in the east, and highlands along the eastern coast. Major mountain ranges include the Great Dividing Range along the eastern coast, the Musgrave Ranges in the central region, and the MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory.

Elevation Extremes

Highest point: Mount Kosciuszko, 2,228 meters (7,310 feet), located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales
Lowest point: Lake Eyre, 15 meters (49 feet) below sea level, located in South Australia

Natural Resources

Australia’s major natural resources include bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, and petroleum.

Major Bodies of Water

Notable bodies of water in Australia include:

  • Murray River (shared with New Zealand)
  • Lake Eyre (an endorheic basin, the lowest point in Australia)
  • Great Barrier Reef lagoon
  • Lake Torrens (a salt lake in South Australia)
  • Lake Gairdner (a salt lake in South Australia)

Natural Hazards

Natural hazards in Australia include cyclones along the coasts, severe droughts, bushfires, and occasional severe storms and flooding.

Geography – Notes

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, with the majority of its landmass classified as arid or semi-arid. The country is also known for its unique flora and fauna, including many endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Australia’s geography and isolation have played a significant role in shaping its unique natural environment and biodiversity.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 16.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 375,908. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 48.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -25.274398133.775136.
  • Capital: The capital of Australia is  Canberra
  • Major Cities:
    • Sydney – population: 5,312,163
    • Melbourne – population: 5,078,193
    • Brisbane – population: 2,189,878
    • Perth – population: 2,022,044
    • Adelaide – population: 1,333,927
  • Population: 25,766,605
  • Area(Km2): 7741220
  • Population Density( P/Km²):3. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:61
  • Official Language(s):Australia is English, 72.7%
  • Currency: AUD

Main Economic Indicators

Australia has a highly developed market economy with a GDP of around $1.5 trillion, making it the 14th largest economy in the world. The economy is diverse, with strengths in the services, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial sectors. Key economic challenges include managing the transition from a mining-investment boom, dealing with household debt levels, and addressing an aging population. Notable economic policies focus on fiscal consolidation, tax reform, and infrastructure investment.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices):
2022: 6.9% (estimate)
2021: 2.8%
Source: Reserve Bank of Australia

Credit Ratings

Fitch: AAA (Stable)
Moody’s: Aaa (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: AAA (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 2.9%
Industry: 24.6%
Services: 72.5%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: wheat, beef, wool, wine, fruits, barley, dairy products
Industrial Products: mining and mineral processing, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel, machinery, motor vehicles, aluminum, petroleum refining

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 13.7 million (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 41st globally

Current Account Balance

Current Account Balance (2022 estimate): $28.8 billion (surplus)
Comparative Ranking: 22nd globally

Exports and Imports

Exports: $402.2 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Export Partners: China, Japan, South Korea, India, United States
Major Exports: iron ore, coal, natural gas, gold, beef, wheat, machinery
Imports: $368.2 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Import Partners: China, United States, Japan, Germany, Singapore
Major Imports: machinery, computers, vehicles, telecommunication equipment, crude oil, fuel

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $57.4 billion (2022 estimate)
Gold Reserves: 287.2 tonnes (2022 estimate)

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,392,680,589,329. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 23.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 47.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.93. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $13.59. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 5.27%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Australian(s)
Adjective: Australian

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups:
– European (92.8%)
– Asian (6.6%)
– Indigenous (3.3%)
– Others (0.9%)

3. Religions

Religious affiliations:
– Christianity (52.1%)
– No religion (30.1%)
– Islam (2.4%)
– Buddhism (2.4%)
– Hinduism (1.9%)
– Others (0.8%)

4. Age Structure

Age group distribution:
– 0-14 years: 18.1%
– 15-64 years: 65.5%
– 65 years and over: 16.4%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 52.6
Youth dependency ratio: 27.7
Elderly dependency ratio: 24.9

6. Median Age

Median age: 38.8 years
Median age (male): 37.8 years
Median age (female): 39.8 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 29% of the adult population
Alcohol consumption: 9.4 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
Tobacco use: 14.7% of adults are daily smokers

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 82.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:12.6. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.74. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 97.6%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 21,844,756. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):19.60%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Australia’s military consists of the following branches:

  • Australian Army: The land warfare force, including infantry, special forces, and armored units.
  • Royal Australian Navy: The naval force, comprising surface and submarine fleets, as well as naval aviation.
  • Royal Australian Air Force: The air warfare branch, with fighter, transport, and reconnaissance aircraft.

Australia’s security forces include the Australian Federal Police and various state and territory police services, responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Australia’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 2.1%
  • 2021: 2.1%
  • 2020: 2.2%
  • 2019: 1.9%
  • 2018: 1.9%

Australia’s military spending ranks among the top 15 countries globally.

Personnel Strengths

Australia’s total active-duty military personnel is approximately 59,000:

  • Australian Army: 30,000
  • Royal Australian Navy: 14,000
  • Royal Australian Air Force: 15,000

The Australian Federal Police has around 6,500 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Australia operates a mix of domestically produced and imported military hardware, including:

  • Land Systems: M1A1 Abrams tanks, ASLAV armored vehicles, Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles
  • Naval Systems: ANZAC-class frigates, Collins-class submarines, Hobart-class air warfare destroyers
  • Air Systems: F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets, E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft

Significant future acquisitions include the planned introduction of Hunter-class frigates, Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, and F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Australia has an all-volunteer military service, with no mandatory conscription. The minimum age for voluntary service is 17 years. Various enlistment programs exist, including officer training programs and specialist recruitment.

Military Deployments

Australia currently has military personnel deployed in various locations, including:

  • Afghanistan: Approximately 80 personnel involved in training and support roles
  • Iraq: Around 300 personnel contributing to the fight against ISIS
  • United Nations missions: Australia contributes personnel to various UN peacekeeping operations worldwide.

Strategic Military Notes

Australia’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a credible military capability to deter potential threats and protect national interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The country is a key ally of the United States and is part of the ANZUS alliance.

Australia is actively engaged in international security and peacekeeping efforts, contributing forces to various multinational operations under the UN or in coalition with allies. The country also maintains strong defense relationships with regional partners, including the AUKUS security pact with the US and UK.

  • Armed Forces Size: 58600. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.68
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 65.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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