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The
one third of Australia that lies north of the Tropic
of Capricorn has tropical temperatures. Darwin
on the north coast has an average monthly temperature around 80 degrees
Fahrenheit. The rest of Australia has a moderate climate. Summers
are generally hot and winters mild. As it is often warm enough in
winter, Australians usually enjoy tennis, lawn bowling, and even surf-riding
then. Because Australia lies in the Southern hemisphere, winter comes
in July and summer in December. Australians spend their Christmas
holidays sunbathing on the beach or swimming in the ocean.
Most
Australians live near the coast, mainly in the southeast, south, and
southwest, where the climate and soil are best suited
to their needs. And eighty-five percent of the people live
in cities, especially in the six states capitals-Sydney, Melbourne,
Brisbane, Perth, and Hobart. The cities have tree-lined streets, lovely
parks, large department stores, and supermarkets.
They look little different from cities in other parts of the English-speaking
world and are often compared with such British cities as London and
Edinburgh. Life for most Australians is congenial. Few are so rich
that they need not work; few are so poor that they cannot afford a
good standard of living.
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