Flag of Australia

Capital of Australia:

Area of Australia:

Catholic, Anglican, other Christian, Buddhist, Muslim

Australia is a federal constitutional monarchy comprising of the continent of Australia. The national flag was introduced in 1901 and approved by the King of Great Britain in 1903. The upper right corner contains the British blue ensign. The blue field contains the 5 stars of the Southern Cross constellation*, and a sixth to represent the Commonwealth of Australia. Six points on the Commonwealth star represent the six external territories, and the seventh stands for the Northern Territory.

*The Southern Cross is the most distinctive constellation in the southern hemisphere. This bright constellation was used as a navigational aid by both the native islanders and the European discoverers. It is visible in the night sky south of the 30degree North Latitude. It is featured on many of the flags of nations in the southern hemisphere.