Australia’s rich history begins with the arrival of its Aboriginal ancestors from Southeast Asia, approximately 50,000 to 65,000 years ago, during the last glacial period. By the time of British settlement in 1788, Aboriginal Australians spoke 250 distinct languages and had developed one of the oldest and most enduring cultures in the world. The arrival of the British in the late 18th century marked the beginning of Australia’s written history, with the Dutch first exploring the coastline in the 17th century.

British colonization began with the establishment of the penal colony of New South Wales in 1788, and by the mid-19th century, European settlers had explored much of the continent. Over time, five additional British colonies were established, each gaining self-government by 1890. In 1901, these colonies federated, forming the Commonwealth of Australia, marking a significant step toward greater autonomy from the United Kingdom. The country’s journey to full independence was solidified with the Statute of Westminster in 1942 and the Australia Acts of 1986.

Today, Australia is a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, comprising six states and ten territories. With a population of nearly 28 million, the nation is highly urbanized, with most people living along the eastern seaboard, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, which both have populations exceeding 5 million. Australia’s culture is notably diverse, with one of the highest foreign-born populations in the world. This cultural mosaic contributes to the country's vibrant social fabric and dynamic economy.

Australia boasts one of the highest per capita incomes globally, fueled by its abundant natural resources and well-developed international trade relations. It ranks highly in terms of quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, civil liberties, and political rights. As a middle power, Australia has the world’s thirteenth-highest military expenditure and is an active member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, G20, and OECD. It is also part of key defense and security alliances, such as ANZUS, AUKUS, and the Five Eyes, and is a major non-NATO ally of the United States.

Through its rich history, economic development, and global alliances, Australia continues to play a prominent role on the world stage.