Australia - One of the Best Places to Retire in the World
By Stephanie Hofstetler

If you retire in Australia, you'll find yourself in a country with an economy and lifestyle comparable to that of the United States, making the transition to foreign soil that much easier. However, Australia has a lot to offer in several areas regarding quality of life that even the United States has trouble maintaining in the most desirable areas. The land 'Down Under' is a modern, rich nation that is full of beauty with a number of its own natural resources, and a variety of climates to choose from when you are picking out your new retirement home.

Australia is the world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; its population is concentrated along the Eastern and Southeastern coasts; the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast, and is one of the most consistent winds in the world.

Unlike the United States, Australia has no problem with population density. The island country is roughly the same size as the United States but has a population of only about 18 million. Thus, when you retire to Australia, you don't have to worry about overcrowding - you can have a large, open space of your own without neighbors crowding in on your privacy.

Another plus of moving to Australia is that there is very little pollution, especially in comparison to the Western world. This will help make it easier for you to breathe if you have any sort of respiratory ailment, and it will provide a healthier lifestyle for you regardless any health issues you may or may not have.

On top of this, the life expectancy is higher here, and infant mortality rate is low, so there is a greater possibility for living longer if you retire to Australia. Part of the draw for retirees to move to Australia is due to the health care system in Australia - it is centralized by the government, so everyone is covered. When it comes to economics and financial status, there is less of a gap between the rich and the poor, leading to less division in the population. Though the gap between the social classes isn't that great, if you wish to obtain permanent visa status in Australia you will have to invest a substantial amount of money into the local economy.

In fact, Australians are very social people and are welcoming and friendly in nature, so you will feel right at home wherever you go if you choose to retire in Australia. While you may not receive an invitation to someone else's home right away (Australians don't do that quickly or easily), you'll probably get off on good terms in public with most people right off the bat, with the term "mate" flying around freely by way of acknowledgment.

Best of all, if you retire to Australia, you'll adore the weather. The country experiences no real winter in the majority of its areas, regardless of the overall climate (coastal areas are much more populous and modernized than the "outback", or desert areas). Because the country is located in the Southern Hemisphere so the seasons are reversed to those that you are familiar with in the Northern Hemisphere.

Summer lasts from December through February, autumn from March until May, a very mild winter season from June to August, and spring from September to November.

Another thing, it's worth mentioning that finding a job in Australia, should you need to supplement your retirement income is much easier here than in some of the other countries that are great to retire in, but where the language and cultural hurdles are larger.

You will find a rich and varied history to explore in Australia. You will also find plenty of ways in which to explore this history, from the museums to the architecture and the environment. The vibrant and colorful culture is also evident when you visit this country, and you will enjoy a warm and hospitable welcome no matter which part of Australia you visit.

Australia's arts are as unique and diverse as the society and continent they come from. They reflect an ancient landscape that is home to the world's oldest continuous cultural traditions and also to a rich mix of migrant cultures. Australia has a vibrant artistic and cultural scene and all forms of the performing arts, including music, theater and dance have strong followings.