This outline of Australia is an overview of and topical guide to various aspects of the country of Australia: Australia refers to both the continent of Australia and to the Commonwealth of Australia, the sovereign country. The continent of Australia, the world's smallest continent, is in the Southern Hemisphere and borders both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The Commonwealth of Australia comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the major island of Tasmania, other nearby islands, and various external territories. Neighbouring countries are Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia to the north-east, and New Zealand to the south-east. The Australian mainland has been inhabited for at least 50,000 years by Aboriginal Australians. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and then European discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, the eastern half of Australia was later claimed by the British in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation as part of the colony of New South Wales, commencing on 26 January 1788. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing Crown colonies were established during the 19th century.

General reference

Geography

Geography of Australia

Environment

Environment of Australia

Geographic features

Regions

Multi-state regions

Administrative divisions

States and territories of Australia

States

Territories

Mainland territories

External territories

Municipalities

Local government in Australia

Demography

Demographics of Australia List all suburbs in Australia

Government and politics

Federal government

Government of Australia

Branches of the government

Separation of powers in Australia

Executive branch

Legislative branch

Judicial branch

Judiciary of Australia

Military

Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Foreign relations

International organisation membership

The Commonwealth of Australia is a member of the:

Law and order

Law of Australia

State and territory governments

Local government

History

History of states

Culture

Culture of Australia

Economy and infrastructure

Economy of Australia

State economies

Education

States education

Religion and belief systems in Australia

Sport

Sport in Australia