The earliest inhabitants of Australia arrived at least 40,000 years ago. The island was discovered during the seventeenth century European exploration. There were no formal claims to the land till 1770, when Captain Cook arrived. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, six colonies were created, which merged in 1901 to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Utilizing its natural resources, the country rapidly developed and supported the British during both the World Wars. Today, being a well developed market economy, it is one of the fastest growing OECD economies.
Australian culture exhibits strong Anglo-Celtic influences. The Australian landscape has proved to be a major source of inspiration for both art and literature. The roots of Australian culture lies in that of the aboriginals, which is conspicuous in modern Australian music, art and dance.
Australia is bounded between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. Having a fertile plain in the south-east, Australian terrain mostly constitutes low plateaus with deserts. The lowest point of the country is Lake Eyre (15 m) while the highest is Mount Kosciuszko (2,229 m).
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