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Australia
is a vast nation, as big as the United States, but
with just 20 million people. Parts of the continent
are very sparsely populated � think of the Outback,
its climate inhospitable to all but the hardiest
creatures � but its cities are modern and buzzing
(think Sydney and Melbourne in particular) , and, as
Australia is a coastal country with most people
living 20 kilometres or so from the water, by the
seaside.
Ties between the UK and Ireland and Australia are
strong and go back hundreds of years to penal colony
days. It's a magnet for families catching up with
far-flung cousins, for young families exploring the
national parks and Crown lands as well as enjoying
the beaches and for gappers young and old taking a
break from study or work.
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