Australia

Australia's history stretches back tens of thousands of years, beginning with the arrival of Aboriginal Australians. Dutch explorers charted parts of the coastline in the 17th century, but sustained European contact began with British colonization in 1788. Initially established as a penal colony, Australia gradually developed into a self-governing nation within the British Empire. Federation in 1901 united the separate colonies into the Commonwealth of Australia, marking a significant step towards independence. Today, Australia is a prosperous and multicultural nation with a rich Indigenous heritage and a dynamic modern society.