AUD to NZD Live Rate

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

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia

27 00 S, 133 00 E

41 00 S, 174 00 E

Oceania

Oceania

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: 268,838 sq km

land: 264,537 sq km

water: 4,301 sq km

note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands

country comparison to the world: 77

0 km

0 km

25,760 km

15,134 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

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

temperate with sharp regional contrasts

mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

predominately mountainous with large coastal plains

mean elevation: 330 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m

highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,228 m

mean elevation: 388 m

elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,724 m

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

natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone

agricultural land: 53.4%

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

forest: 19.3%

other: 27.3% (2014 est.)

agricultural land: 43.2%

arable land 1.8%; permanent crops 0.3%; permanent pasture 41.1%

forest: 31.4%

other: 25.4% (2011 est.)

25,500 sq km (2012)

7,210 sq km (2012)

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

over three-quarters of New Zealanders, including the indigenous Maori, live on the North Island, primarily in urban areas

cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires

volcanism: volcanic activity on Heard and McDonald Islands

earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity

volcanism: significant volcanism on North Island; Ruapehu (2,797 m), which last erupted in 2007, has a history of large eruptions in the past century; Taranaki has the potential to produce dangerous avalanches and lahars; other historically active volcanoes include Okataina, Raoul Island, Tongariro, and White Island

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

deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by invasive species

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

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

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation

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

consists of two main islands and a number of smaller islands; South Island, the larger main island, is the 12th largest island in the world and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps; North Island is the 14th largest island in the world and is not as mountainous, but it is marked by volcanism; almost 90% of the population lives in cities and over three-quarters on North Island; Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the world

23,232,413 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

4,510,327 (July 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 126

noun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

noun: New Zealander(s)

adjective: New Zealand

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.)

European 71.2%, Maori 14.1%, Asian 11.3%, Pacific peoples 7.6%, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African 1.1%, other 1.6%, not stated or unidentified 5.4%

note: based on the 2013 census of the usually resident population; percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic group (2013 est.)

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.)

English (de facto official) 89.8%, Maori (de jure official) 3.5%, Samoan 2%, Hindi 1.6%, French 1.2%, Northern Chinese 1.2%, Yue 1%, other or not stated 20.5%, New Zealand Sign Language (de jure official)

note: shares sum to 120.8% due to multiple responses on census (2013 est.)

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.)

Christian 44.3% (Catholic 11.6%, Anglican 10.8%, Presbyterian and Congregational 7.8%, Methodist, 2.4%, Pentecostal 1.8%, other 9.9%), Hindu 2.1%, Buddhist 1.4%, Maori Christian 1.3%, Islam 1.1%, other religion 1.4% (includes Judaism, Spiritualism and New Age religions, Baha'i, Asian religions other than Buddhism), no religion 38.5%, not stated or unidentified 8.2%, objected to answering 4.1%

note: based on the 2013 census of the usually resident population; percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one religion (2013 est.)

total dependency ratio: 51.1

youth dependency ratio: 28.5

elderly dependency ratio: 22.6

potential support ratio: 4.4 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio: 52.9

youth dependency ratio: 30.5

elderly dependency ratio: 22.4

potential support ratio: 4.5 (2015 est.)

total: 38.7 years

male: 37.9 years

female: 39.5 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 58

total: 37.9 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 38.8 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 64

1.03% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 110

0.79% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 132

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

country comparison to the world: 165

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

country comparison to the world: 150

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

country comparison to the world: 119

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

country comparison to the world: 111

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

country comparison to the world: 21

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

country comparison to the world: 44

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

over three-quarters of New Zealanders, including the indigenous Maori, live on the North Island, primarily in urban areas

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

urban population: 86.4% of total population (2017)

rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

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)

Auckland 1.344 million; WELLINGTON (capital) 383,000 (2015)

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.)

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

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

15-24 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

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

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2017 est.)

28.7 years (2014 est.)

27.8 years

note: median age at first birth (2009 est.)

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

country comparison to the world: 166

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

country comparison to the world: 144

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: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births

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

country comparison to the world: 183

total population: 82.3 years

male: 79.8 years

female: 84.9 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

total population: 81.3 years

male: 79.1 years

female: 83.5 years (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 27

1.77 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 156

2.02 children born/woman (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 116

67.8%

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

9.4% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 32

11% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 14

3.5 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

3.06 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

3.8 beds/1,000 population (2014)

2.8 beds/1,000 population (2013)

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: 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: 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.)

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.)

NA

29% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 27

30.8% (2016)

country comparison to the world: 22

0.2% (2007)

country comparison to the world: 138

5.2% of GDP (2014)

country comparison to the world: 56

6.3% of GDP (2015)

country comparison to the world: 16

total: 20 years

male: 20 years

female: 21 years (2014)

total: 19 years

male: 18 years

female: 20 years (2014)

total: 12.7%

male: 13.9%

female: 11.4% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 104

total: 13.2%

male: 13.1%

female: 13.4% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 98

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

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: New Zealand

abbreviation: NZ

etymology: Dutch explorer Abel TASMAN was the first European to reach New Zealand in 1642; he named it Staten Landt, but Dutch cartographers renamed it Nova Zeelandia in 1645 after the Dutch province of Zeeland; British explorer Captain James COOK subsequently anglicized the name to New Zealand when he mapped the islands in 1769

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

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

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

name: Wellington

geographic coordinates: 41 18 S, 174 47 E

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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

note: New Zealand has two time zones - New Zealand standard time (12 hours in advance of UTC), and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time)

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

16 regions and 1 territory*; Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Chatham Islands*, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Wellington, West Coast

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

Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies)

26 September 1907 (from the UK)

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)

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840); Anzac Day (commemorated as 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: 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)

history: New Zealand has no single constitution document; the Constitution Act 1986, effective 1 January 1987, includes only part of the uncodified constitution; others include a collection of statutes or "acts of Parliament," the Treaty of Waitangi, Orders in Council, letters patent, court decisions, and unwritten conventions

amendments: proposed as "bills” by Parliament or by referenda called either by the government or by citizens; passage of a bill as an “act” normally requires two separate readings with committee reviews in between to make changes and corrections, a third reading approved by the House of Representatives membership or by the majority of votes in a referendum, and assent to by the governor-general; passage of amendments to “reserved” constitutional provisions affecting the term of Parliament, electoral districts, and voting restrictions requires approval by 75 percent of the House membership or the majority of votes in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2014 (2018)

common law system based on the English model

common law system, based on English model, with special legislation and land courts for the Maori

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

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

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of New Zealand

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

18 years of age; universal

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

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Dame Patricia Lee REDDY (since 28 September 2016)

head of government: Prime Minister Jacinda ARDERN (since 26 October 2017); Deputy Prime Minister Winston PETERS (since 26 October 2017)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general; note - Prime Minister ARDERN heads up a minority coalition government consisting of the Labor and New Zealand First parties with support from the Green Party

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

description: unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called Parliament (usually 120 seats; 70 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies, including 7 Maori constituencies, by simple majority vote and 50 directly elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 3-year terms)

elections: last held on 23 September 2017 (next to be held in September 2020)

election results: percent of vote by party - National Party 46%, Labor Party 35.9%, NZ First 7.5%, Green Party 5.9%, ACT Party .5%; seats by party - National Party 56, Labor Party 46, NZ First 9, Green Party 8, ACT Party 1

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

highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 5 justices including the chief justice); note - the Supreme Court in 2004 replaced the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) as the final appeals court

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor-general on the recommendation of the attorney-general; justices appointed for life

subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; tribunals and authorities; district courts; specialized courts for issues related to employment, environment, Maori lands, and military

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]

ACT New Zealand [David SEYMOUR]

Green Party [James SHAW]

Mana Movement [Hone HARAWIRA] (formerly Mana Party)

Maori Party [Marama FOX]

New Zealand First Party or NZ First [Winston PETERS]

New Zealand Labor Party [Jacinda ARDERN]

New Zealand National Party [Simon BRIDGES]

United Future New Zealand [Damian LIGHT]

business groups, environmental groups, social groups, trade unions

Women's Electoral Lobby or WEL

other: apartheid groups; civil rights groups; farmers groups; Maori; nuclear weapons groups; women's rights groups

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

ADB, ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF, SICA (observer), Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

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: Ambassador Timothy John GROSER (since 28 January 2016)

chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800

FAX: [1] (202) 667-5227[1] (202) 667-5227

consulate(s) general: Honolulu (HI), Los Angeles, New York

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

chief of mission: Ambassador Scott P. BROWN (since 27 June 2017) note - also accredited to Samoa

embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington

mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP 96531-1034

telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000

FAX: [64] (4) 499-0490

consulate(s) general: Auckland

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

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation

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

Southern Cross constellation (four, five-pointed stars), kiwi (bird), silver fern; national colors: black, white, red (ochre)

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)

name: "God Defend New Zealand"

lyrics/music: Thomas BRACKEN [English], Thomas Henry SMITH [Maori]/John Joseph WOODS

note: adopted 1940 as national song, adopted 1977 as co-national anthem; New Zealand has two national anthems with equal status; as a commonwealth realm, in addition to "God Defend New Zealand," "God Save the Queen" serves as a national anthem (see United Kingdom); "God Save the Queen" normally played only when a member of the royal family or the governor-general is present; in all other cases, "God Defend New Zealand" is played

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.

Over the past 40 years, the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy, dependent on concessionary British market access, to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes, but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder and broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector.

Per capita income rose for 10 consecutive years until 2007 in purchasing power parity terms, but fell in 2008-09. Debt-driven consumer spending drove robust growth in the first half of the decade, fueling a large balance of payments deficit that posed a challenge for policymakers. Inflationary pressures caused the central bank to raise its key rate steadily from January 2004 until it was among the highest in the OECD in 2007 and 2008. The higher rate attracted international capital inflows, which strengthened the currency and housing market while aggravating the current account deficit. Rising house prices, especially in Auckland, have become a political issue in recent years, as well as a policy challenge in 2016 and 2017, as the ability to afford housing has declined for many.

Expanding New Zealand’s network of free trade agreements remains a top foreign policy priority. New Zealand was an early promoter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and was the second country to ratify the agreement in May 2017. Following the United States’ withdrawal from the TPP in January 2017, on 10 November 2017 the remaining 11 countries agreed on the core elements of a modified agreement, which they renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In November 2016, New Zealand opened negotiations to upgrade its FTA with China; China is one of New Zealand’s most important trading partners.

$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

$185.7 billion (2017 est.)

$179.5 billion (2016 est.)

$173.3 billion (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 70

$1.39 trillion (2017 est.)

$200.8 billion (2017 est.)

2.2% (2017 est.)

2.5% (2016 est.)

2.4% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 146

3.5% (2017 est.)

3.6% (2016 est.)

3.2% (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 94

$49,900 (2017 est.)

$49,600 (2016 est.)

$49,100 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 28

$38,500 (2017 est.)

$37,800 (2016 est.)

$37,300 (2015 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars

country comparison to the world: 47

22.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

21.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

22.1% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 72

21.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

20.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

20.1% of GDP (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 82

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.)

household consumption: 57.1%

government consumption: 18.4%

investment in fixed capital: 23.2%

investment in inventories: 0.3%

exports of goods and services: 27.4%

imports of goods and services: -26.4% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 26.1%

services: 70.3% (2017 est.)

agriculture: 3.9%

industry: 26.2%

services: 69.9% (2017 est.)

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

dairy products, sheep, beef, poultry, fruit, vegetables, wine, seafood, wheat and barley

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

agriculture, forestry, fishing, logs and wood articles, manufacturing, mining, construction, financial services, real estate services, tourism

1% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 170

2.5% (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 111

12.91 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 45

2.655 million (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 114

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 21.1%

services: 75.3% (2009 est.)

agriculture: 7%

industry: 19%

services: 74% (2006 est.)

5.6% (2017 est.)

5.7% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 79

4.9% (2017 est.)

5.1% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 66

NA%

NA%

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 25.4% (1994 est.)

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

30.3 (2008 est.)

35.2 (1994 est.)

country comparison to the world: 132

36.2 (1997 est.)

country comparison to the world: 92

revenues: $461 billion

expenditures: $484.9 billion (2017 est.)

revenues: $73.2 billion

expenditures: $71.9 billion (2017 est.)

33.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 66

36.4% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 49

-1.7% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 73

0.7% of GDP (2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

47.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

46.6% of GDP (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 111

32% of GDP (2017 est.)

33.3% of GDP (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 159

1 July - 30 June

1 April - 31 March

note: this is the fiscal year for tax purposes

2% (2017 est.)

1.3% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 89

2.2% (2017 est.)

0.6% (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 106

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

2.5% (31 December 2009 est.)

5% (31 December 2008 est.)

country comparison to the world: 114

5.3% (31 December 2017 est.)

5.42% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 140

4.9% (31 December 2017 est.)

5.02% (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 147

$271.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$243.1 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 19

$44.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$42.01 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

$1.586 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.415 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$199.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$190 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 40

$2.336 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.098 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$300.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$284.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 38

$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

$74.35 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

$74.42 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

$65.96 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 45

$-21.68 billion (2017 est.)

$-33.31 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 192

$-7.17 billion (2017 est.)

$-5.013 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 181

$224.5 billion (2017 est.)

$191.7 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

$37.35 billion (2017 est.)

$33.61 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 55

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

dairy products, meat and edible offal, logs and wood articles, fruit, crude oil, wine

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

China 19.4%, Australia 17.1%, US 10.9%, Japan 6.2% (2016)

$215.4 billion (2017 est.)

$198.5 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 22

$38.74 billion (2017 est.)

$35.53 billion (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 58

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

petroleum and products, mechanical machinery, vehicles and parts, electrical machinery, textiles

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

China 19.9%, Australia 12.6%, US 11.3%, Japan 7.1%, Germany 4.8%, Thailand 4.5%, South Korea 4.2% (2016)

$60.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$55.07 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 36

$18.32 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$17.81 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 63

$1.67 trillion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.547 trillion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 12

$88.08 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$84.03 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 54

$647.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$617.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 16

$78.25 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$77.31 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 52

$443.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$441.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

$59.08 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

country comparison to the world: 41

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.)

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar -

1.42 (2017 est.)

1.43 (2016 est.)

1.43 (2015 est.)

1.43 (2014 est.)

1.2 (2013 est.)

electrification - total population: 100% (2016)

electrification - total population: 100% (2016)

237.9 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 20

42.77 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 58

223.6 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

39.93 billion kWh (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 57

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 102

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 181

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 121

0 kWh (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 184

67.03 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

9.454 million kW (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 65

72.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 98

24% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 191

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: 160

10.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 116

56.5% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 31

16.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 43

19.7% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 31

289,700 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 33

34,730 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 60

213,600 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 29

30,560 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 49

339,500 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 25

109,200 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 42

1.821 billion bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 39

56.9 million bbl (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 79

472,100 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 34

117,100 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 65

1.1 million bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 21

167,700 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 63

60,290 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 50

3,863 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 102

564,300 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 14

54,750 bbl/day (2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 78

67.2 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 13

4.954 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 51

46.99 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 24

9.08 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 56

34.06 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11

0 cu m (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 163

6.373 billion cu m (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 32

0 cu m (2014 est.)

country comparison to the world: 171

1.989 trillion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

35.88 billion cu m (1 January 2017 est.)

country comparison to the world: 69

385 million Mt (2015 est.)

country comparison to the world: 18

37 million Mt (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 72

total subscriptions: 8.18 million

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

country comparison to the world: 22

total subscriptions: 1.76 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 41 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 62

total: 26.551 million

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

country comparison to the world: 48

total: 5.8 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 129 (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 113

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)

general assessment: excellent domestic and international systems

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 170 per 100 persons

international: country code - 64; the Southern Cross submarine cable system provides links to Australia, Fiji, and the US; satellite earth stations - 8 (1 Inmarsat - Pacific Ocean, 7 other) (2016)

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)

state-owned Television New Zealand operates multiple TV networks and state-owned Radio New Zealand operates 3 radio networks and an external shortwave radio service to the South Pacific region; a small number of national commercial TV and radio stations and many regional commercial television and radio stations are available; cable and satellite TV systems are available, as are a range of streaming services, as are a range of streaming services (2018)

.au

.nz

total: 20,288,409

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

country comparison to the world: 34

total: 3,958,642

percent of population: 88.5% (July 2016 est.)

country comparison to the world: 89

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)

number of registered air carriers: 6

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 123

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 15,304,409

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 999,384,961 mt-km (2015)

VH (2016)

ZK (2016)

480 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 16

123 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 48

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: 39

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 1 (2017)

total: 131

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 101

under 914 m: 14 (2013)

total: 84

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 33

under 914 m: 48 (2013)

1 (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)

condensate 331 km; gas 2,500 km; liquid petroleum gas 172 km; oil 288 km; refined products 198 km (2018)

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

total: 4,128 km

narrow gauge: 4,128 km 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified) (2018)

country comparison to the world: 44

total: 873,573 km

urban: 145,928 km

non-urban: 727,645 km (2015)

country comparison to the world: 9

total: 94,000 km

paved: 61,600 km (includes 199 km of expressways)

unpaved: 32,400 km (2017)

country comparison to the world: 52

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

country comparison to the world: 42

total: 549

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

country comparison to the world: 39

total: 103

by type: general cargo 16, oil tanker 4, other 83 (2017)

country comparison to the world: 83

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

major seaport(s): Auckland, Lyttelton, Manukau Harbor, Marsden Point, Tauranga, Wellington

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

1.1% of GDP (2017)

1.13% of GDP (2016)

1.11% of GDP (2015)

1.13% of GDP (2014)

1.12% of GDP (2013)

country comparison to the world: 106

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)

New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF): New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force) (2018)

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

17 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18; no conscription; 3 years of secondary education required; must be a citizen of NZ, the UK, Australia, Canada, or the US, and resident of NZ for the previous 5 years (2018)

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

asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency)

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

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

significant consumer of amphetamines