Discovering Australia

Economy Australia is one of the wealthiest Asia–Pacific nations with a strong mixed market economy dominated by its service sector, including tourism, education, and financial services. Australia is also internationally competitive in insurance services, technologies, and high- value-added manufactured goods. Export plays an important role in Australia’s economy. Mining and agriculture are important export sectors. Business Hours Business hours typically begin between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. and lunch is taken around noon for 1 hour. The workday ends between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Weather Australia’s weather is influenced by the Indian Ocean currents and has different climate zones. The northern part of the country has a more tropical influenced climate, while the interior is arid and semi-arid. The southern parts are cooler with mild summers and cool, sometimes rainy winters. The South East ranges from oceanic to subtropical climate. Australia’s seasons are at opposite times to those in the northern hemisphere. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring. National Hazards/Severe Weather Australia has a long history with natural disasters which can include bushfires, heatwaves, droughts. Severe storms and tropical cyclones may cause flooding and landslides and large earthquakes occur infrequently.

Time Zones Australia lies in 5 time zones:

• UTC+8:00: Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) • UTC+8:45: Australian Central Western Standard Time (ACWST) • UTC+9:30: Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) • UTC+10:00: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) • UTC+10:30: Lord Howe Standard Time (LHST)

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Discovering Australia