Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country located on the Australian continent, including Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. It ranks as the sixth-largest country globally, covering an area of 7,688,287 km², and is the largest nation in Oceania. Despite its vast size, Australia is the world's flattest and driest inhabited continent, offering a wide range of ecosystems from arid deserts to lush tropical rainforests.

The history of Australia is deeply rooted in the traditions of its Indigenous people, whose ancestors arrived from Southeast Asia between 50,000 and 65,000 years ago. Before British settlement, Aboriginal Australians spoke around 250 distinct languages and developed one of the oldest living cultures in the world.

European exploration began in the 17th century, with Dutch navigators charting much of Australia's coastline. The nation's written history started in earnest with the British establishment of a penal colony at New South Wales in 1788. Over the next century, British colonies were established across the continent, and by the mid-1800s, Australia saw significant exploration and settlement. Five colonies gained self-government by 1890, and in 1901, these colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia, beginning a process of increasing autonomy from the United Kingdom.

Australia's path to full independence was solidified through various legislative acts, including the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act in 1942 and the Australia Acts in 1986. Today, Australia stands as a stable and prosperous nation, with a strong economy, a rich cultural heritage, and a global presence. It remains a proud member of the Commonwealth, with a constitutional monarchy and a democratic government.