For basic information and a statistical overview of United Nations member countries and links to local newspapers, visit:http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/index.asp

To review the on-line version of the World Factbook with information about this country as compiled by the CIA, please visit: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html

The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Australia. Although camp staff from Australia may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Camp America wishes to share this general information with our Camp Directors.

Health

1. Most common inoculations
   Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella) and hib (haemophilus influenza type b).
2. Innoculation for TB (Tuberculosis)
   No
3. Free health service
   Yes, known as Medicare, although private health insurance is becoming more prevalent.
4. Cost and regularity of visits to the dentist
   Regular visits to the dentist are made - this is costly approx. $100 per visit (extra for cleaning, fillings, orthodontic work).

Education

1. Percentage of 17 year olds enrolled in secondary schools: 80 (compared with 79 in the US).
2. Number of bachelor’s degree recipients per 100 people of typical graduation age in 2003: 54.8 (compared with 33.4 in the US).
3. Alternatives chosen if not attending university
   • Enter work force
   • Follow traineeships/apprenticeships
   • Attend TAFE (Technical and Further Education Colleges)
   • Work and travel overseas e.g. American summer camps
4. Start and finish of the academic year
   Begins in February and ends in November.

English Language Skills

1. Is English a compulsory subject in the schools in your country?
   Yes, native language.
2. Description of the study of English in schools e.g. from what age English is taught, how many years is English compulsory, courses focused on written or oral skills
   English is taught at every year level (Kindergarten to Year 12) and must be satisfactorily passed to complete secondary schooling.

Religion

1. Most common religions
   Anglican 26%, Roman Catholic 26%, Other Christian 24%, Non-Christian 11%.
2. Practice of religion by young people
   This depends on the devotion of their family to religion. The majority would not attend services regularly.
3. Would a young person choose to practice a religion that is different than her family's religion
   Not common
4. Common religious practices e.g. special practices or dietary restrictions
   None

Telephone

1. Telephones in the home
   Yes
2. Would most parents/family speak English well enough to take a message from an American Camp Director?
   Yes
3. Computer or e-mail access
   Most young people have access either at home or school/college.

Diet

1. Attitudes to eating meat
   Chicken is more popular than red meat
2. Vegetarianism
   Increasing in popularity
3. Other common dietary traditions
   Fresh food is plentiful and from a range of cultural backgrounds e.g. Italian, Asian, Indian, Mexican and Turkish. In country areas meat and three vegetables is the staple diet.

Miscellaneous

1. Freedom of their family to socialize and date
   Yes
2. Curfews at home
   Depending on their age. If they are teenagers then they generally have a curfew, particularly if it is a school night.
3. Sharing household chores
   Yes, most help with the cooking, cleaning and laundry.
4. Diversity of population
   The population is both ethnically and racially diverse. Multicultural.
   If so, would this be represented in the young people you would recruit?
   Yes, they could be of Italian, Greek or Asian background.
5. Three main characteristics of the people
   Outgoing, friendly and adaptable.
6. Attitudes to nudity both in and out of the home e.g. sunbathing in the nude?
   Nudity outside the home is confined to nude beaches and reserves. It is not uncommon for many families to take pictures of their children enjoying a bath. Australians are not prudish but do know there is a time and place or acceptable levels to exposing oneself.

Additional useful information
Australians are adventurous and enjoy traveling and exploring other cultures. America has a huge influence on Australia's youth. American TV shows, movies, magazines, food and fashions create trends that are quickly accepted in Australia.