Australia: flag, capital, currency and history

Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in Australia and New Zealand, Oceania. Its capital is Canberra. The currency is the Australian dollar. Languages spoken include English.

Quick facts about Australia

Official name: Commonwealth of Australia
Capital: Canberra
Region: Oceania, Australia and New Zealand
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD, $)
Languages: English
Calling code: +61
Internet domain: .au
Area: 7,692,024 km² (2,969,906 sq mi)
Land borders: None (island or surrounded by water)
Demonym: Australian
National day: Australia Day, January 26

Flag of Australia

Download the flag of Australia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇦🇺.

SVG (vector)

History of Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived on the Australian continent for at least tens of thousands of years, developing many distinct cultures and languages. Dutch navigators charted parts of the coast in the seventeenth century, and James Cook claimed the east coast for Britain in 1770. A British penal colony was founded at Sydney in 1788, and further colonies followed across the continent. The six colonies federated as the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901. Its legislative independence from Britain was completed in stages, notably in 1942 and 1986. Canberra is the capital.

Key dates

1770James Cook charts the east coast and claims it for Britain.
1788The First Fleet establishes a British penal colony at Sydney Cove.
1851Gold discoveries in New South Wales and Victoria start major gold rushes.
1901The six colonies federate to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
1942Australia adopts the Statute of Westminster, confirming legislative independence.
1986The Australia Act ends remaining British legislative links.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.