Australia

The word “Australia” means the country and continent occupying the Australian mainland, Tasmania, and nearby islands, with its capital at Canberra. In plain terms, the island nation and continent in the southern hemisphere.

“Australia” is pronounced o-STRAY-lee-uh (/ɔˈstɹeɪl.jə/ in IPA).

Here is “Australia” used in a sentence: “Australia is famous for its unique wildlife, like kangaroos and koalas.”

“Australia” is a name.

The word “Australia” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Latin. From Latin terra austrālis incōgnita ("unknown southern land"), popularised by explorer Matthew Flinders in the early 1800s.

“Australia” is a very common word in modern English.

Australia is both. It is a single country, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, and it is also the world's smallest continent. The mainland, together with Tasmania and nearby islands, makes up the nation, while the continental landmass is sometimes called Australia or Sahul. This dual identity makes it unusual among the world's nations.

The capital of Australia is Canberra, not Sydney or Melbourne as many people assume. Canberra was purpose-built as a compromise between the rival cities of Sydney and Melbourne, which both wanted the honour, and it became the seat of government in 1927. It sits in the Australian Capital Territory.

The nickname "Land Down Under" refers to Australia's position in the Southern Hemisphere, below the equator and beneath Asia on a standard world map. From a European viewpoint it lies "down under" the more familiar northern countries. The phrase became especially popular through song, film, and tourism.

Australia is known for unique wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses, found nowhere else in the wild. It is famous for the Great Barrier Reef, the vast Outback, and landmarks like Uluru and the Sydney Opera House. It is also celebrated for its beaches, sport, and multicultural cities.