Page 139 - Social Studies 7

west. The climate of Australia is opposite to Nepal. When it is summer in Nepal,
it is winter in Australia and vice versa.
Tropical Evergreen Vegetation is found in the northern part. The grassland is called
Down in the central lowland. Mediterranean vegetation including eucalyptus and
rubber trees is found in the south east and south-west corners and the western
plateau has desert vegetation. The kangaroo is the unique and the most popular
animal and it is found only in Australia. It is the national animal of Australia.

Economic Activities

Australia is a economically prosperous and developed continent. The major
economic activities are sheep farming, agriculture, mining, industries and
tourism. Iron and steel, aluminium, motor vehicles and ship building are the
major industries of Australia. It is rich in natural resources and minerals. Coal,
gold, iron-ore, etc. are well organized. Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie are the world
famous gold mines found in the western desert. Australia produces 30% of wool of
the world. Wheat is famous crop and paddy is grown in the irrigated area in the
north and the south of Australia.

Social Life

Most of the Australians are British origins. The south east coast is densely
populated because of favourable climate. The western part is uninhabited due to
the desert area and north coast is thinly populated due to the hot tropical climate.
The aborigines of Australia have primitive lifestyle. Most of the people follow
Christianity.
Nepal has good relations with Australia and New Zealand. Nepalese are
getting higher education and employment opportunities. There is an important
contribution of Australia particularly in conservation and uses of forest resources.

Key Words

aborigine : an original inhabitant of Australia
uninhabited : without population

139 Dynamic Social Studies and Population Education - Book VII