System of Government: | Federation ('Commonwealth') of six States - New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania - and three mainland Territories - Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory and Seven External Territories - Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands Territory, Heard and McDonald Islands and Norfolk Island. Parliamentary democracy based on Westminster system; Federal Parliament consisting of House of Representatives and Senate |
Main cities (population million): | Sydney (4.2), Melbourne (3.6), Brisbane (1.7), Perth (1.4), Adelaide (1.1), Hobart (0.2), Darwin (0.1) |