Australia may be the smallest continent in the world, but it is also the sixth largest country despite a population of just 20 million.

Australia lies between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean and is divided into six states and two territories - Australia Capital territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia.

Australia boasts a varied landscape that includes both deserts and tropical rainforests.

Its inhabitants are mainly of European descent (91%), 7% Asian with the Aboriginal population making up 1%. English is the main language. A quarter of the population were not born in Australia.

Most people live along the coasts in the North, East and South East with some on the West Coast. The capital of Australia is Canberra.

The northern third of Australia is tropical therefore warm and sunny or hot constantly. The rest of the country lies south of the tropics and has milder summers and winters.

Australia has an amazing variety of landscapes, climates, animals, plants, people, culture.

New South Wales has a similar lifestyle to Europe with the same approach to working, socialising and entertaining.

Queensland has a relaxed lifestyle, strong economy, enviable climate and is increasing in popularity.

South Australia is easy going, relaxed with excellent culture, health, education and sporting facilities.

Healthcare is of a very high standard. All Australians has access to a world class universal public health service called Medicare. If you are not a permanent resident in Australia you will have to take out health Insurance to cover and protect you and your family. However once you have been granted permanent residency you will need to enrol with Medicare.

Education is a priority in Australia and an excellent level of education provided by all state schools.

The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD).

The telephone System is excellent, with radio phones used in areas of low population density. The international dialling coe for Australia is +61. To phone the emergency services dial 000.

There are three ways to move to Australia and live there permanently. Skilled Migration, Family Migration (sponsored by a relative who is already an Australian Citizen) and S pecial Eligibility Migration (this applies to former citizens or residents who want to return).

There is a major shortage of skilled workers in Australia, with 90% of independent skilled visa holders gaining employment within the first months of arrival.

The Australian government has made available 120,000 places for migrants, with a strong focus on attracting skilled people and people who agree to live in regional areas of Australia.

If you wish to retire to Australia you can only do so on a temporary visa. Successful applicants are approved for an initial period of four years and the visa is then subject to renewal every two years.

To be approved you must be over 55 and have no other dependants other than a spouse. You must be of good character and good health and have comprehensive Australian Health Insurance (you will not be covered by Medicare). You will also need to have sufficient capital for transfer to Australia.

The Australian government has anexcellent website dealing with all aspects of migration at www.immi.gov.au.

If you are not a permanent resident of Australia or do not have a permanent resident visa you have to seek prior permission from the Australian Government before buying property. This policy is designed to channel investment into increasing the supply of new housing.

House prices are like elsewhere governed by area, Sydney is considered the most expensive city, followed by Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth through to Adelaide. Smaller urban and rural areas tend to be cheaper.

Buying property in Ausdtralia is similar to buying property in the UK, although many properties are sold at auction.

Embassies:
The Australian High Commission, Australia House, The Strand, London. WC2B 4LA (Telephone 020 7379 4334)
British High Commission, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600 (Telephone 02 6270 6666)