AED to AUD Live Rate

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean

24 00 N, 54 00 E

27 00 S, 133 00 E

Middle East

Oceania

total: 83,600 sq km

land: 83,600 sq km

water: 0 sq km

country comparison to the world: 116

total: 7,741,220 sq km

land: 7,682,300 sq km

water: 58,920 sq km

note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

country comparison to the world: 7

total: 1,066 km

border countries (2): Oman 609 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

0 km

1,318 km

25,760 km

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

desert; cooler in eastern mountains

generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north

flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert; mountains in east

mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

mean elevation: 149 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

mean elevation: 330 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m

highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,228 m

petroleum, natural gas

bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum

note: Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal accounting for 29% of global coal exports

agricultural land: 4.6%

arable land 0.5%; permanent crops 0.5%; permanent pasture 3.6%

forest: 3.8%

other: 91.6% (2011 est.)

agricultural land: 53.4%

arable land 6.2%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 47.1%

forest: 19.3%

other: 27.3% (2014 est.)

923 sq km (2012)

25,500 sq km (2012)

population is heavily concentrated to the northeast on the Musandam Peninsula; the three largest emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah - are home to nearly 85% of the population

population is primarily located on the periphery, with the highest concentration of people residing in the southeast; a secondary population center is located in and around Perth in the west; of the States and Territories, New South Wales has, by far, the largest population; the interior, or "outback", has a very sparse population

frequent sand and dust storms

cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires

volcanism: volcanic activity on Heard and McDonald Islands

lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills

soil erosion from overgrazing, deforestation, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural freshwater resources; drought, overfishing, pollution, and invasive species are also problems

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; the largest country in Oceania, the largest country entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, and the largest country without land borders; the only continent without glaciers; population 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

6,072,475 (July 2017 est.)

note: the UN estimated the country's total population was 9,400,145 as of mid-year 2017; immigrants make up more than 88% of the total population, according to UN data (2017)

country comparison to the world: 110

23,232,413 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

noun: Emirati(s)

adjective: Emirati

noun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Emirati 11.6%, South Asian 59.4% (includes Indian 38.2%, Bangladeshi 9.5%, Pakistani 9.4%, other 2.3%), Egyptian 10.2%, Philippine 6.1%, other 12.8% (2015 est.)

English 25.9%, Australian 25.4%, Irish 7.5%, Scottish 6.4%, Italian 3.3%, German 3.2%, Chinese 3.1%, Indian 1.4%, Greek 1.4%, Dutch 1.2%, other 15.8% (includes Australian aboriginal .5%), unspecified 5.4%

note: data represent self-identified ancestry, over a third of respondents reported two ancestries (2011 est.)

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

English 76.8%, Mandarin 1.6%, Italian 1.4%, Arabic 1.3%, Greek 1.2%, Cantonese 1.2%, Vietnamese 1.1%, other 10.4%, unspecified 5% (2011 est.)

total dependency ratio: 17.4

youth dependency ratio: 16.2

elderly dependency ratio: 1.2

potential support ratio: 83.4 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio: 51.1

youth dependency ratio: 28.5

elderly dependency ratio: 22.6

potential support ratio: 4.4 (2015 est.)

total: 30.3 years

male: 32.1 years

female: 25 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 115

total: 38.7 years

male: 37.9 years

female: 39.5 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 58

2.37% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 28

1.03% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 110

15.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 128

12.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 165

1.9 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 225

7.3 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 119

10.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 9

5.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

population is heavily concentrated to the northeast on the Musandam Peninsula; the three largest emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah - are home to nearly 85% of the population

population is primarily located on the periphery, with the highest concentration of people residing in the southeast; a secondary population center is located in and around Perth in the west; of the States and Territories, New South Wales has, by far, the largest population; the interior, or "outback", has a very sparse population

urban population: 86.1% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 2.32% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population: 89.7% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 1.37% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

note: data include Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island

Dubai 2.415 million; Sharjah 1.279 million; ABU DHABI (capital) 1.145 million (2015)

Sydney 4.505 million; Melbourne 4.203 million; Brisbane 2.202 million; Perth 1.861 million; Adelaide 1.256 million; CANBERRA (capital) 423,000 (2015)

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.47 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 3.2 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 2.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.69 male(s)/female

total population: 2.18 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

6 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 165

6 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 166

total: 10 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 11.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 137

total: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 184

total population: 77.7 years

male: 75 years

female: 80.4 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 69

total population: 82.3 years

male: 79.8 years

female: 84.9 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

2.32 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 87

1.77 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 156

3.6% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 171

9.4% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 32

1.56 physicians/1,000 population (2014)

3.5 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

1.2 beds/1,000 population (2013)

3.8 beds/1,000 population (2014)

improved:

urban: 99.6% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 99.6% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0.4% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0.4% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 98% of population

rural: 95.2% of population

total: 97.6% of population

unimproved:

urban: 2% of population

rural: 4.8% of population

total: 2.4% of population (2015 est.)

improved:

urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

NA

0.1% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 100

NA

25,000 (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 69

NA

<500 (2016 est.)

31.7% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 20

29% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 27

NA

5.2% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 56

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.8%

male: 93.1%

female: 95.8% (2015 est.)

total: 12.1%

male: 7.9%

female: 21.8% (2008 est.)

country comparison to the world: 108

total: 12.7%

male: 13.9%

female: 11.4% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 104

Protestant 23.1% (Anglican 13.3%, Uniting Church 3.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 2.3%, Baptist 1.5%, Pentecostal 1.1%, Lutheran .7%, other Protestant .5%), Roman Catholic 22.6%, other Christian 4.2%, Muslim 2.6%, Buddhist 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3% (Eastern Orthodox 2.1%, Oriental Orthodox .2%), Hindu 1.9%, other 1.3%, none 30.1%, unspecified 9.6% (2016 est.)

28.7 years (2014 est.)

67.8%

note: percent of women aged 18-45 (2011)

0.2% (2007)

country comparison to the world: 138

total: 20 years

male: 20 years

female: 21 years (2014)

conventional long form: United Arab Emirates

conventional short form: none

local long form: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah

local short form: none

former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States

abbreviation: UAE

etymology: self-descriptive country name; the name "Arabia" can be traced back many centuries B.C., the ancient Egyptians referred to the region as "Ar Rabi"; "emirates" derives from "amir" the Arabic word for "commander," "lord," or "prince"

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia

conventional short form: Australia

etymology: the name Australia derives from the Latin "australis" meaning "southern"; the Australian landmass was long referred to as "Terra Australis" or the Southern Land

federation of monarchies

parliamentary democracy (Federal Parliament) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

name: Abu Dhabi

geographic coordinates: 24 28 N, 54 22 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

name: Canberra

geographic coordinates: 35 16 S, 149 08 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April

note: Australia has three time zones

7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn

6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

2 December 1971 (from the UK)

1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies)

Independence Day (National Day), 2 December (1971)

Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorates the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)

history: previous 1971 (provisional); latest drafted in 1979, became permanent May 1996

amendments: proposed by the Supreme Council and submitted to the Federal National Council; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority vote of Federal National Council members present, and approval by the Supreme Council president; amended 2009 (2016)

history: approved in a series of referenda 1898 through 1900, became law 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901

amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires approval of a referendum bill by absolute majority vote in both houses of Parliament, approval in a referendum by a majority of voters in at least four states and in the territories, and Royal Assent; proposals that would reduce a state’s representation in either house or change a state’s boundaries require that state’s approval prior to Royal Assent; amended several times, last in 1977 (2017)

mixed legal system of Islamic law and civil law

common law system based on the English model

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of the United Arab Emirates; if the father is unknown, the mother must be a citizen

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 30 years

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years

limited; note - rulers of the seven emirates each select a proportion of voters for the Federal National Council (FNC) that together account for about 12 percent of Emirati citizens

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

chief of state: President KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 3 November 2004), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) (since 4 November 2004); Vice President and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN RASHID Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Vice President MUHAMMAD BIN RASHID Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers SAIF bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan, MANSUR bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (both since 11 May 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers announced by the prime minister and approved by the president

elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the Federal Supreme Council - composed of the rulers of the 7 emirates - for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held 3 November 2009 (next election NA); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president

election results: KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan reelected president; FSC vote NA

note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the 7 emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions federal legislation; meets 4 times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power

chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Gen. Sir Peter COSGROVE (since 28 March 2014)

head of government: Prime Minister Malcolm TURNBULL (since 15 September 2015)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister from among members of Parliament and sworn in by the governor general

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor general

description: unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members indirectly elected by an electoral college whose members are selected by each emirate ruler proportional to its FNC membership, and 20 members appointed by the rulers of the 7 constituent states; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 3 October 2015 (next to be held in 2019); note - the electoral college was expanded from 129,274 electors in the December 2011 election to 224,279 in the October 2015 election; 347 candidates including 78 women ran for 20 contested seats in the 40-member FNC

election results: 19 men and 1 woman were elected; seats by emirate - Abu Dhabi 4, Dubai 4, Sharjah 3, Ras al-Khaimah 3, Ajman 2, Fujairah 2, Umm al-Quwain 2; note - only 1 woman (from Ras Al Khaimah) won an FNC seat

description: bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats; 12 members from each of the 6 states and 2 each from the 2 mainland territories; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms with one-half of state membership renewed every 3 years and territory membership renewed every 3 years) and the House of Representatives (150 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by majority preferential vote; members serve terms of up to 3 years)

elections: Senate - last held on 2 July 2016 (next to be held in 2019); House of Representatives - last held on 2 July 2016; this election represents a rare double dissolution where all 226 seats in both the Senate and House of Representatives are up for reelection

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - Liberal/National Coalition 35.2%, ALP 29.8%, the Greens 8.7%, Pauline Hanson's One Nation 4.3%, Nick Xenophon Team 3.3%, other 18.7%; seats by party - Liberal/National Coalition 30, ALP 26, The Greens 9, Pauline Hanson's One Nation 4, Nick Xenophon Team 3, other 4; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Liberal/National Coalition 42%, ALP 34.7%, The Greens 10.2%, Nick Xenophon Team 1.9%. Katter's Australian Party 0.5%, independent 2.8%, other 7.8%; seats by party - Liberal/National Coalition 76, ALP 69, The Greens 1, Katter's Australian Party 1, Nick Xenophon Team 1, independent 2

highest court(s): Federal Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 4 judges; jurisdiction limited to federal cases)

judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the federal president following approval by the Federal Supreme Council, the highest executive and legislative authority consisting of the 7 emirate rulers; judges serve until retirement age or the expiry of their appointment terms

subordinate courts: Federal Court of Cassation (determines the constitutionality of laws promulgated at the federal and emirate level; federal level courts of first instance and appeals courts; the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ra's al Khaymah have parallel court systems; the other 4 emirates have incorporated their courts into the federal system; note - the Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts and the Dubai International Financial Center Courts both adjudicate civil and commercial disputes.

highest court(s): High Court of Australia (consists of 7 justices, including the chief justice); note - each of the 6 states, 2 territories, and Norfolk Island has a Supreme Court; the High Court is the final appellate court beyond the state and territory supreme courts

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor-general in council for life with mandatory retirement at age 70

subordinate courts: subordinate courts: subordinate courts at the federal level: Federal Court; Federal Magistrates' Courts of Australia; Family Court; subordinate courts at the state and territory level: Local Court - New South Wales; Magistrates' Courts – Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory; District Courts – New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia; County Court – Victoria; Family Court – Western Australia; Court of Petty Sessions – Norfolk Island

none; political parties are banned

Australian Greens Party [Richard DI NATALE]

Australian Labor Party [Bill SHORTEN]

Country Liberal Party or CLP [Gary HIGGINS]

Liberal National Party of Queensland or LNP [Deborah FRECKLINGTON]

Liberal Party of Australia [Malcolm TURNBULL]

The Nationals [Michael MCCORMACK]

Nick Xenophon Team [Nick XENOPHON]

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation [Pauline HANSON]

NA

business groups, environmental groups, social groups, trade unions

ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

chief of mission: Ambassador Yusif bin Mana bin Said al-UTAYBA (since 28 July 2008)

chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 243-2400

FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432

consulate(s) general: Boston, Los Angeles, New York

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph Benedict HOCKEY (since 28 January 2016)

chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000

FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Steven C. BONDY (since 22 March 2018)

embassy: Embassies District, Plot 38 Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, Abu Dhabi

mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi

telephone: [971] (2) 414-2200

FAX: [971] (2) 414-2603

consulate(s) general: Dubai

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires James CAROUSO (since September 2016)

embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600

mailing address: APO AP 96549

telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600

FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970

consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side; the flag incorporates all four Pan-Arab colors, which in this case represent fertility (green), neutrality (white), petroleum resources (black), and unity (red); red was the traditional color incorporated into all flags of the emirates before their unification

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for each of the six original states and one representing all of Australia's internal and external territories; on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small, five-pointed star and four larger, seven-pointed stars

golden falcon; national colors: green, white, black, red

Commonwealth Star (seven-pointed Star of Federation), golden wattle tree; national colors: green, gold

name: "Nashid al-watani al-imarati" (National Anthem of the UAE)

lyrics/music: AREF Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB

note: music adopted 1971, lyrics adopted 1996; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of Tunisia

name: "Advance Australia Fair"

lyrics/music: Peter Dodds McCORMICK

note: adopted 1984; although originally written in the late 19th century, the anthem was not used for all official occasions until 1984; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" is also played at Royal functions (see United Kingdom)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP from the oil and gas sector to 30%.

Since the discovery of oil in the UAE nearly 60 years ago, the country has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector involvement. The country's free trade zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are helping to attract foreign investors.

The global financial crisis of 2008-09, tight international credit, and deflated asset prices constricted the economy in 2009. UAE authorities tried to blunt the crisis by increasing spending and boosting liquidity in the banking sector. The crisis hit Dubai hardest, as it was heavily exposed to depressed real estate prices. Dubai lacked sufficient cash to meet its debt obligations, prompting global concern about its solvency and ultimately a $20 billion bailout from the UAE Central Bank and Abu Dhabi Government that was refinanced in March 2014.

The UAE’s dependence on oil is a significant long-term challenge, although the UAE is one of the most diversified countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Low oil prices have prompted the UAE to cut expenditures, including on some social programs, but the UAE has sufficient assets in its sovereign investment funds to cover its deficits. The government reduced fuel subsidies in August 2015, and has announced plans to introduce excise and value-added taxes by January 1, 2018. The UAE's strategic plan for the next few years focuses on economic diversification, promoting the UAE as a global trade and tourism hub, developing industry, and creating more job opportunities for nationals through improved education and increased private sector employment.

Following two decades of continuous growth, low unemployment, contained inflation, very low public debt, and a strong and stable financial system, Australia enters 2018 facing a range of growth constraints, principally driven by the sharp fall in global prices of key export commodities. Demand for resources and energy from Asia and especially China is growing at a slower pace and sharp drops in export prices have impacted growth.

The services sector is the largest part of the Australian economy, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of jobs. Australia was comparatively unaffected by the global financial crisis as the banking system has remained strong and inflation is under control.

Australia benefited from a dramatic surge in its terms of trade in recent years, although this trend has reversed due to falling global commodity prices. Australia is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food. Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40 billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas Project, will significantly expand the resources sector.

Australia is an open market with minimal restrictions on imports of goods and services. The process of opening up has increased productivity, stimulated growth, and made the economy more flexible and dynamic. Australia plays an active role in the WTO, APEC, the G20, and other trade forums. Australia’s free trade agreement (FTA) with China entered into force in 2015, adding to existing FTAs with the Republic of Korea, Japan, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and the US, and a regional FTA with ASEAN and New Zealand. Australia continues to negotiate bilateral agreements with Indonesia, as well as larger agreements with its Pacific neighbors and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and an Asia-wide Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that includes the 10 ASEAN countries and China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and India.

$691.9 billion (2017 est.)

$682.8 billion (2016 est.)

$662.7 billion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 33

$1.235 trillion (2017 est.)

$1.209 trillion (2016 est.)

$1.179 trillion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 20

$378.7 billion (2017 est.)

$1.39 trillion (2017 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)

3% (2016 est.)

3.8% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 181

2.2% (2017 est.)

2.5% (2016 est.)

2.4% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 146

$68,200 (2017 est.)

$69,300 (2016 est.)

$69,200 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 14

$49,900 (2017 est.)

$49,600 (2016 est.)

$49,100 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 28

24.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

27.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

29.7% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 53

22.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

21.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

22.1% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 72

household consumption: 50.5%

government consumption: 12.1%

investment in fixed capital: 20.4%

investment in inventories: 1.3%

exports of goods and services: 94.9%

imports of goods and services: -79.2% (2017 est.)

household consumption: 57.1%

government consumption: 19%

investment in fixed capital: 24.2%

investment in inventories: 0%

exports of goods and services: 20.5%

imports of goods and services: -20.8% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 0.9%

industry: 49.8%

services: 49.2% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 26.1%

services: 70.3% (2017 est.)

dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish

wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry

petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, commercial ship repair, construction materials, handicrafts, textiles

mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel

-0.1% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 189

1% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 170

5.344 million

note: expatriates account for about 85% of the workforce (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 78

12.91 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 45

agriculture: 7%

industry: 15%

services: 78% (2000 est.)

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 21.1%

services: 75.3% (2009 est.)

3.6% (2014 est.)

2.4% (2001 est.)

country comparison to the world: 39

5.6% (2017 est.)

5.7% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 79

19.5% (2003 est.)

NA%

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 25.4% (1994 est.)

revenues: $83.44 billion

expenditures: $112.4 billion

note: the UAE federal budget does not account for emirate-level spending in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (2017 est.)

revenues: $461 billion

expenditures: $484.9 billion (2017 est.)

22% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 136

33.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 66

-7.6% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 195

-1.7% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 73

60.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

62.7% of GDP (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 73

47.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

46.6% of GDP (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 111

calendar year

1 July - 30 June

2.1% (2017 est.)

1.8% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 100

2% (2017 est.)

1.3% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 89

NA%

3% (28 February 2013 est.)

4.35% (31 December 2010 est.)

note: this is the Reserve Bank of Australia's "cash rate target," or policy rate

country comparison to the world: 107

$134.8 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$129 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 31

$271.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$243.1 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

$355.8 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$333.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

$1.586 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.415 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$412.5 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$389.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

$2.336 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.098 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$195.9 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$201.6 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$180.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

$1.187 trillion (31 December 2015 est.)

$1.289 trillion (31 December 2014 est.)

$1.366 trillion (31 December 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

$7.878 billion (2017 est.)

$8.412 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 23

$-21.68 billion (2017 est.)

$-33.31 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 192

$314.7 billion (2017 est.)

$298.6 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

$224.5 billion (2017 est.)

$191.7 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates (2012 est.)

iron ore, coal, gold, natural gas, beef, aluminum ores and conc, wheat, meat (excluding beef), wool, alumina, alcohol

India 9.9%, Iran 8.9%, Japan 8.8%, Switzerland 8.5%, Oman 5.4%, China 5.1% (2016)

China 30.5%, Japan 12.4%, US 6.5%, South Korea 6.1% (2016)

$241.3 billion (2017 est.)

$230.3 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 20

$215.4 billion (2017 est.)

$198.5 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

motor vehicles, refined petroleum, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude petroleum, medicaments, goods vehicles, gold, computers

China 7.4%, US 6.9%, India 6.8%, Germany 4.4% (2016)

China 23.4%, US 11.5%, Japan 7.8%, Thailand 5.6%, Germany 5.3%, South Korea 4.3% (2016)

$89.79 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$85.39 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 28

$60.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$55.07 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 36

$239.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$218.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

$1.67 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.547 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$144.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$134.8 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 38

$647.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$617.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

$124.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$114.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

$443.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$441.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

Emirati dirhams (AED) per US dollar -

3.67 (2017 est.)

3.67 (2016 est.)

3.67 (2015 est.)

3.67 (2014 est.)

3.67 (2013 est.)

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -

1.31 (2017 est.)

1.34 (2016 est.)

1.34 (2015 est.)

1.33 (2014 est.)

1.11 (2013 est.)

30.3 (2008 est.)

35.2 (1994 est.)

country comparison to the world: 132

5.3% (31 December 2017 est.)

5.42% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 140

population without electricity: 177,824

electrification - total population: 98%

electrification - urban areas: 99%

electrification - rural areas: 93% (2012)

electrification - total population: 100% (2016)

119.7 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

237.9 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 20

110.6 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

223.6 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 98

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 102

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 118

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 121

28.9 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

67.03 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

99.5% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

72.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 98

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 35

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 158

10.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 116

0.5% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 151

16.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

3.106 million bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 8

289,700 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

2.684 million bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 4

213,600 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 88

339,500 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

97.8 billion bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 7

1.821 billion bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 39

479,400 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

472,100 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

901,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

1.1 million bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

334,900 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

60,290 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 50

413,700 bbl/day (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

564,300 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

60.18 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 15

67.2 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

186 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 8

46.99 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

11.08 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

34.06 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11

20.53 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

6.373 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

6.091 trillion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 7

1.989 trillion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

245 million Mt (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 26

385 million Mt (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

total subscriptions: 2,285,809

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 39 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

total subscriptions: 8.18 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 36 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

total: 19,905,093

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 328 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 59

total: 26.551 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 114 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 48

general assessment: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai

domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic and coaxial cable

international: country code - 971; linked to the international submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe); landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian) (2016)

general assessment: excellent domestic and international service

domestic: domestic satellite system; significant use of radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile telephones

international: country code - 61; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Southern Cross fiber-optic submarine cable provides links to NZ and the US; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat, 2 Globalstar, 5 other (2015)

except for the many organizations now operating in media free zones in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, most TV and radio stations remain government-owned; widespread use of satellite dishes provides access to pan-Arab and other international broadcasts; restrictions since June 2017 on some satellite channels and websites originating from or otherwise linked to Qatar (2018)

the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations, as well as Australia Network, a TV service that broadcasts throughout the Asia-Pacific region and is the main public broadcaster; Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), a second large public broadcaster, operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple languages; several large national commercial TV networks, a large number of local commercial TV stations, and hundreds of commercial radio stations are accessible; cable and satellite systems are available (2009)

.ae

.au

total: 5,370,299

percent of population: 90.6% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 74

total: 20,288,409

percent of population: 88.2% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

number of registered air carriers: 12

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 498

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 84,738,479

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 16.647 billion mt-km (2015)

number of registered air carriers: 25

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 583

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 69,294,187

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,887,295,820 mt-km (2018)

A6 (2016)

VH (2016)

43 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 100

480 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 16

total: 25

over 3,047 m: 12

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2013)

total: 349

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 14

1,524 to 2,437 m: 155

914 to 1,523 m: 155

under 914 m: 14 (2017)

total: 18

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 6 (2013)

total: 131

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 101

under 914 m: 14 (2013)

5 (2013)

1 (2013)

condensate 533 km; gas 3,277 km; liquid petroleum gas 300 km; oil 3,287 km; oil/gas/water 24 km; refined products 218 km; water 99 km (2013)

condensate/gas 637 km; gas 30,054 km; liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 3,609 km; oil/gas/water 110 km; refined products 72 km (2013)

total: 4,080 km

paved: 4,080 km (includes 253 km of expressways) (2008)

country comparison to the world: 157

total: 873,573 km

urban: 145,928 km

non-urban: 727,645 km (2015)

country comparison to the world: 9

total: 618

by type: general cargo 97, oil tanker 26, other 495 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 34

total: 549

by type: bulk carrier 4, general cargo 83, oil tanker 10, other 452 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 39

major seaport(s): Al Fujayrah, Mina' Jabal 'Ali (Dubai), Khor Fakkan (Khawr Fakkan) (Sharjah), Mubarraz Island (Abu Dhabi), Mina' Rashid (Dubai), Mina' Saqr (Ra's al Khaymah)

container port(s) (TEUs): Dubai Port (15,585,000), Khor Fakkan (Khawr Fakkan) (Sharjah) (4,414,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (export): Das Island

major seaport(s): Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Fremantle, Geelong, Gladstone, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Port Adelaide, Port Kembla, Sydney

dry bulk cargo port(s): Dampier (iron ore), Dalrymple Bay (coal), Hay Point (coal), Port Hedland (iron ore), Port Walcott (iron ore)

container port(s) (TEUs): Brisbane (1,152,000), Melbourne (2,638,000), Sydney (2,330,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (export): Darwin, Karratha, Burrup, Curtis Island

total: 33,343 km

broad gauge: 3,247 km 1.600-m gauge (372 km electrified)

standard gauge: 17,446 km 1.435-m gauge (650 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 12,318 km 1.067-m gauge (2,075.5 km electrified)

other gauge: 35 km (2015)

country comparison to the world: 7

2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling River systems) (2011)

country comparison to the world: 42

4.86% of GDP (2017)

4.99% of GDP (2016)

5.66% of GDP (2014)

6.06% of GDP (2013)

country comparison to the world: 6

2% of GDP (2016)

1.98% of GDP (2015)

1.8% of GDP (2014)

1.68% of GDP (2013)

1.7% of GDP (2012)

country comparison to the world: 48

United Arab Emirates Armed Forces: Critical Infrastructure Coastal Patrol Agency (CICPA), Land Forces, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense, Presidential Guard, Joint Aviation Command (2018)

Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army (includes Special Operations Command), Royal Australian Navy (includes Naval Aviation Force), Royal Australian Air Force, Joint Operations Command (JOC) (2016)

18-30 years of age for compulsory military service for men, optional service for women; 17 years of age for male volunteers with parental approval; 2-year general obligation, 12 months for secondary school graduates; women may train for 9 months regardless of education (2016)

17 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; women allowed to serve in most combat roles (2018)

boundary agreement was signed and ratified with Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah enclaves, but contents of the agreement and detailed maps showing the alignment have not been published; Iran and UAE dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which Iran occupies

in 2018, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a permanent maritime border treaty, scrapping a 2007 development zone and revenue sharing arrangement between the countries; Australia asserts land and maritime claims to Antarctica; Australia's 2004 submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf extends its continental margins over 3.37 million square kilometers, expanding its seabed roughly 30 percent beyond its claimed EEZ; all borders between Indonesia and Australia have been agreed upon bilaterally, but a 1997 treaty that would settle the last of their maritime and EEZ boundary has yet to be ratified by Indonesia's legislature; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing

the UAE is a drug transshipment point for traffickers given its proximity to Southwest Asian drug-producing countries; the UAE's position as a major financial center makes it vulnerable to money laundering; anti-money-laundering controls improving, but informal banking remains unregulated

Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate; major consumer of cocaine and amphetamines

refugees (country of origin): 9,217 (Afghanistan); 6,128 (Iran) (2016)