Australia

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The continent of Australia is defined as mainland Australia and its surrounding islands. It is Earth's smallest continent.

Before becoming a member of United Earth, the continent was governed by a single nation state also known as "Australia". It's capital city was Canberra

History

In the 1990s, Australia fought alongside its allies in the Eugenics Wars, in Asia and the Middle East. The wars stretched Australia in many ways. Its citizens protested (sometimes violently) against Australia's involvement the wars. Many young Australians died fighting in the wars. The sacrifices made by the younger generation of that time are still enshrined at memorials in many different parts of the land, metropolitan, regional and rural alike.

Thirty years later, World War III, like the two World Wars before it, had yet again defined the young nation as resilient. Even when “lucky country” wasn’t as lucky the third time, it had been hit hard like the rest of the old countries on Earth had been. After first contact in 2063, there was a new hope for human civilization globally. Swept up in that wave, over the next 50 years Australian culture and identity went through both a cultural renaissance and a redefinition, the latter thanks in part to the elimination globally of disease, poverty and hunger.

A common misconception which persisted even in the 24th century was that Australia was the last country to join United Earth. While inaccurate, it was one of the last to join in the 22nd century. Joining required constitutional change, which was historically notoriously difficult; a referendum was required, and a "double majority" (approval by a majority of voters nationwide, as well as a majority of voters in a majority of states) was needed for a change to the constitution. Multiple referendum attempts to change the constitution and join the United Earth government failed. It became a political issue in every federal election. Each election and referendum campaign during the first parts of the 22nd century brought out the worst in some Australians, who campaigned negatively on platforms of fear, nationalism and xenophobia. Eventually, the electorate in a referendum voted in favour of joining United Earth’s government. The establishment of a Vulcan Consulate in Canberra was considered a milestone by many..

Flora and Fauna

According to then Captain Roshanara Rahman, "Australia has by far the most ridiculous looking animals in the galaxy. ...and I've been to Alfa 177."

References

• Australia on Memory Alpha