Country explorer: Australia

Australia has demonstrated a robust and resilient economy highlighted by a consistent increase in GDP per capita outpacing many of its high-income peers, alongside managing relatively low levels of unemployment and inflation, reflecting both its strong economic policies and its unique position benefiting from resource exports, notably to Asia.

Australia has experienced significant population growth, notable for its consistent positive net migration, steady fertility rates in comparison with other high-income countries, and a steadily increasing life expectancy, reflecting a prosperous, attractive, and healthy society.

Australia has consistently provided virtually all its population with access to clean cooking fuels, electricity, and significantly improved the share of the population using safely managed sanitation facilities, showcasing its sustained commitment to meeting basic needs at a level comparable with other high-income countries.

Australia has demonstrated steady improvement in human development, characterized by a continuous rise in its Human Development Index, a significant reduction in child mortality rate, maintenance of a near-universal literacy rate, and enhancement in the quality and quantity of education, positioning it favorably among high-income nations.

Australia has undergone significant shifts in its environment and energy sector, characterized by decreased per capita CO₂ emissions including land-use change, a diversification in electricity production with a notable increase in solar and wind energy output, diminishing renewable freshwater resources per capita, and a gradual increase in forest area, mirroring a broader global trend towards more sustainable energy sources and the imperative of environmental conservation.

Australia has experienced significant growth in internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, paralleled by consistent investment in research and development, showcasing its commitment to embracing technological advancements and fostering innovation, similarly to its high-income country peers.

Australia has become more multicultural and achieved lower gender inequality, maintaining relatively high life satisfaction levels, amidst gradually increasing age dependency ratios, showcasing its successful adaptation and resilience compared to its high-income peers.

Australia has consistently maintained high standards in rule of law, minimal perception of corruption, and robust political civil liberties, aligning with top-performing high-income countries and showcasing strong governance and societal resilience.