Australian Culture and Geography

Australia's education system mandates eleven years of compulsory schooling (typically ages 5-16). This varies by state but eleven years is the national standard, not ten, nine, or fifteen.

In Australian business culture, punctuality is considered essential - being late is viewed as unprofessional. While communication and protocol matter, punctuality is non-negotiable for meetings and appointments.

Australia's official national colours are green and gold, representing Australia's national floral emblem (golden wattle). Green and gold appear in official uniforms and sporting teams, not red/white/blue.

Melbourne is the only Australian capital city that retains its historic tram network as regular public transport. Other cities removed their tram systems in the mid-20th century.

The Great Dividing Range is the major mountain range running along Australia's eastern coast, separating the coastal plain from the inland. The Snowy Mountains are part of this range, not a separate range.