Interestingly, Australia is considered the second driest continent after Antarctica. When you look at the busy Sydney harbor or the impressive skyline of metropolitan Melbourne, it seems almost unbelievable that nearly 40% of the continent is uninhabitable.

The lack of rainfall is one of the main reasons why such a huge amount of its landmass is so desolate. The national precipitation for 2020 was 483.4mm (19 inches). For comparison, even California gets about 563mm (22 inches) of rainfall every year.

This arid, uninhabitable part of Australia lies in the middle of the continent (the Outback), away from the coastline. And this is also the reason why more than 80% of the country’s population lives within 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the coast.

Aboriginal Australians first arrived at the Land Down Under from Maritime Southeast Asia sometime between 50,000 and 65,000 years ago. From the rainforests in the north, the deserts in the center, and the sub-Antarctic islands of Tasmania and Bass Strait, they penetrated to all parts of the continent.

In fact, the artistic, musical, and spiritual customs they've created are among the longest surviving such traditions in human history.

The first documented visit to Australia by a European was in 1606. The Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon landed on the western side of Cape York Peninsula and charted about 300 km (186 miles) of coastline.

There are claims of earlier landings by the Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Arabs, and Romans, but there is little credible documented evidence.

If there is something that Aussies in today's world are known for, it's their easy-going and friendly attitude. They can put aside stress to appreciate the good things in life that are right in front of them. We're hoping you'll be able to enjoy this list just like that!