The flag of Australia is the only one to fly over a whole continent. Australia ranks about 19th in the world in value of its international trade. Eight of Australia's 12 largest export markets are in East Asia. Air travel and the great variety of Australia s attractions combine to bring more international tourists to Australia every year. Overseas tourists are drawn by Australia s sunshine, sandy beaches, the vast outback, rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, unique flora and fauna, the Gold Coast of Queensland, and the attractions of the cities.
Tourism is one of Australia s largest and fastest-growing industries.
In 1992, 2.6 million international tourists visited Australia, a quarter of them from Japan and another quarter from other countries of East Asia. Back to top of page Environment Isolation of the Australian island-continent for 55 million years created a sanctuary for the flora and fauna. Marsupials were saved from competition with more highly developed mammals. Birds unique to Australia also survived, and distinctive trees and plants developed. Australia s best-known animals are the kangaroo, koala, platypus and spiny anteater.