The world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country, Australia is only slightly smaller than the contiguous United States. Located between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean, the landscape varies from low plateaus to dense tropical rainforests to chilly beaches. This country's long-term concerns include depletion of the ozone layer, as well as management and conservation of coastal areas such as the Great Barrier Reef. Australia provides an appealing, up-to-date look at this vast country. Highly readable sections address the Australian environment; population; urban Australia; agricultural and rural Australia; economy and industry; and conservation, leisure, and tourism. Full-color photographs and illustrations accompany maps and graphs, visually enhancing the text. Additional resources include an opening chapter introducing Australia, a glossary, lists of further information, and a comprehensive index.

Dr Robert Prosser is a lecturer in recreation and tourism at the Centre for Urban and Rural Studies at the University of Birmingham. He was a long-standing member of the Avery Hill GCSE project team and has written several books on geography.