Australia - One of the Best Places to Livee
By Stephanie Hofstetler

The Land Down Under where kangaroos and koala bears roam in the Great Outback, where Crocodile Dundee and the aborigines hunted for crocs and other animals, that is Australia. The legend of Ned Kelly still evokes memories of the outlaws that once roamed Australia's landscape. A truly unique country that should rank as one of the best places to live, Australia is the only single country to occupy an entire continent.

Formerly and initially settled through penal transportation in the colony of New South Wales, its population grew and new areas were explored until another five largely self-governing Crown Colonies were established during the 19th century. Since it became the Commonwealth of Australia, it has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system.

The primary basis of Australian culture has been Anglo-Celtic, although distinctive Australian features soon arose from the country's unique environment and the pre-existing indigenous culture. Over the past 50 years, Australian culture has been strongly influenced by American popular culture (particularly television and cinema), large-scale immigration from non-English-speaking countries and Australia's Asian neighbors.

The vigor and originality of the arts in Australia-literature, cinema, opera, music, painting, theater, dance, and crafts-have achieved international recognition and has been one of the reasons why people like to visit or live here permanently. Australians, being highly visual people, have various state art galleries that have strong collections of Australian and overseas artworks that are highly attended by Australians.

Maintaining an active tradition of music, ballet, and theater; many of its performing arts companies receive public funding through the federal government's Australian Council. Not only does it foster the art of dance, it also raves its production of great actors including Nicole Kidman, Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett, the the late Heath Ledger and many others who have gained success in Hollywood and overseas.

If you are the sporty type, you will surely enjoy living there as sport plays an important part in Australian culture, assisted by a climate that favors outdoor activities. ; At an international level, Australia has strong teams in cricket, field hockey, netball, rugby league, and rugby union, and performs well in cycling, rowing, and swimming. Viewing televised sports is popular; the highest-rating television programs include the summer Olympic Games and the grand finals of local and international football competitions.

Australia has really grown into a highly developed country with many opportunities to offer to a prospective migrant. It has created a landscape that will fully satisfy anyone who has an appetite for culture and arts and adventurism.