About Australia

About Australia AUSTRALIA Australia is a fresh, vibrant and above all friendly country of more than 20 million people. It is a country with a colourful history, a brilliant future and a delightful present ! It is also a land of enormous cultural and geographical diversity, of wide-open spaces and bustling, sophisticated cities that are considered to be among the most livable in the world. Australians enjoy an enviable lifestyle. The mild, subtropical climate throughout much of the country is ideal for the broadest possible choice of outdoor recreation throughout the year. For at least 50,000 years, Australia's Aboriginal people have maintained the world's oldest living culture - a very special heritage that adds a unique depth and richness to Australian life. Australia is the world's most cosmopolitan country with people from every continent and over two hundred nations. All this is behind Australia's increasing popularity with international visitors year by year. It is a land of contrasts, yet it is safe and friendly, and very welcoming to overseas visitors. Australian education standards are recognised to be of the very highest quality. For schools, colleges and universities, the latest telecommunications and computer Technologies are regarded as basic learning tools.

Geography of Australia Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean Geographic coordinates: 27 00 S, 133 00 E Map references: Oceana Area: total: 7,686,850 sq km land: 7,617,930 sq km water: 68,920 sq km note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island Area - comparative: slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 25,760 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m Natural resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum Land use: arable land: 6.15% (includes about 27 million hectares of cultivated grassland) permanent crops: 0.04% other: 93.81% (2005) Irrigated land: 25,450 sq km (2003) Total renewable water resources: 398 cu km (1995) Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): total: 24.06 cu km/yr (15%/10%/75%) per capita: 1,193 cu m/yr (2000) Natural hazards: cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires Environment - current issues: soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast, and is one of the most consistent winds in the world

NewZealand Immigration

New Zealand Immigration

Within a relatively short time, New Zealand has developed a sophisticated, unrestrictive business environment that competes aggressively in world markets. It joins our predominantly agriculture-based economy which continues to deliver the bulk of our export earnings. The success of this has seen decreasing unemployment, a strengthening dollar, soaring stock values and business confidence at an all-time high. The dynamic growth in the business market has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of industries and given businesses the impetus to invest in new plant, machinery and staff. Some of the industries really surging ahead are in niche sectors of manufacturing, information and communications technology, tourism, film production, editing and special effects, bio-tech, wood processing, construction, call centres and retail trade. Immigration Categories Skilled Immigration Business Immigration Investor Immigration For applicants who are planning to take up skilled employment in New Zealand. This category is suitable for business people who are interested in establishing a business in New Zealand. For business people with capital to invest in New Zealand. Family Sponsored Immigration For people sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of New Zealand.

IELTS

What is IELTS?

'International English Language Testing System' (IELTS, pronounced /'aıjelts/) is a test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. Candidates may choose either the Academic Module or the General Training Module: The Academic Module is intended for those who wish to

IELTS Characteristics

The IELTS incorporates the following features: A variety of accents and writing styles are presented in text materials in order to minimise linguistic bias. IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak in English. Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The Band Scale ranges from 1 ("Non User") to 9 ("Expert User").

IELTS Test Format

IELTS Band Scale

IELTS is scored on a nine band scale. Each Band corresponds to different English competence. The Band Scores are in either whole or half Bands. The nine bands are described as such: 9 Expert User Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding 8 Very Good User Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Handles complex detailed argumentation well. 7 Good User

UK Immigration

UK HSMP / Skilled Worker Category

The UK has welcomed newcomers for centuries. It is a mixture of diverse ethnic groups, each with their own distinct culture and sometimes their own language or religion.Migrants bring a diversity of skills to the UK labor market, providing skills and expertise which complement the existing work force. UK has various visas designed for various purposes. These visas are divided under Immigration category or 'Settlement Visas' and 'Non Settlement Visas. While Settlement Visas (like HSMP or Innovator Visa) allow you long period of stay leading to Permanent Resident or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, non settlement visas are for shorter periods and do not lead to Permanent Resident status. There are other Visas available, apart from HSMP scheme, which allow you to come to the UK for different purposes. One of the most popular forms of immigration to the UK is the Skilled Worker Category. This allows you to enter the UK before finding a job and means that you do not need a UK employer to sponsor your work permit. One of the biggest advantages offered by the Skilled Worker category is that it is effectively a UK work permit that allows you to work in the UK for any employer. What is the highly skilled worker category? The highly skilled worker category is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities. Who can apply as a highly skilled worker? Unlike work permits you do not need a job offer to apply under the highly skilled worker category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language skills, and available maintenance (funds). You can apply under the highly skilled worker category now if you are: in the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in an immigration category that allows you to switch into the highly skilled worker category; already in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled worker and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category; already in the United Kingdom under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, want to extend your permission to stay and are eligible to switch into the highly skilled worker category; applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the highly skilled worker category. What points you have to score to apply as a highly skilled worker To apply under our points-based system and be accepted into the highly skilled worker category, you must pass a points-based assessment. You must score: 75 points for your attributes (age, qualifications, previous earnings, and experience in the United Kingdom); and 10 points for English language; and 10 points for available maintenance (funds). If you do not score a minimum of 75 points for your attributes and 10 points for English language and 10 points for available maintenance (funds), your application will be refused. What categories points are awarded for Points are awarded for the following categories: age; qualifications; previous earnings; United Kingdom experience; English language; and maintenance (funds).

Denmark Immigration

Danish Green Card Scheme

Introduction The Danish Green Card scheme allows you to live and work in Denmark if you can score enough points based upon criteria such as age, language skills, work experience, and education. If you score at least 100 points, you can obtain a residence permit valid for up to three years. In addition, you will be able to bring your immediate family along. As well as scoring 100 points, you must have a valid health insurance policy and be able to provide proof that you can support yourself and your family while you look for work in Denmark. The Danish Green Card Points Based System Under the Danish Green Card scheme, points are score under five areas: Education, Language Skills, Work Experience, Adaptability, and Age. It is also possible to score a number of bonus points for various factors described below. Education To score points for Education, you must have the Danish equivalent of a bachelors degree. Your academic credentials must be assessed by CIRIUS, a body under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. In addition to points scored for your degree, bonus points can be awarded under Education for obtaining a degree from a top school or by having an education which qualifies you for work in an occupation on the Positive List. With the addition of bonus points, the maximum number of points that can be scored for Education is 105. It is possible for you to score enough points for a work and residence permit based soley upon points earned for Education. Education level Points Bachelors degree 30 Bachelors degree + 1 year Masters degree 50 Masters degree 60 PhD 80 Education related to occupation on the Positive List Bonus Points 10 Language Skills You can earn a maximum of 30 points for language skills which includes knowledge of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German. Points can be earned for both one Scandinavian language (Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian) and either English or German, but not for both English and German or two or more Scandinavian languages. You will be required to show that you have passed an exam equivalent to at least a Danish Language Test, Level 1. Alternatively, you can prove language proficiency through a statement by your previous employer stating that you used Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German while performing your job for at least one year, or by proving that you have completed at least one year's study in higher education which was taught in one of these languages. In the case of these last two requirements, you will have shown a language proficiency equal to a Study Test in Danish as a Second Language. Language Proficiency Level Points Level 1 5 Level 2 10 Level 3 15 Study Test in Danish as a Second Language 20 Work Experience You can score a maximum of 15 points under Work Experience. Your points are earned based upon the number of years you have worked as a researcher, or in a field of work that is currently in shortage in Denmark (i.e., a job listed on the Positive List). If this does not apply to you, you can still earn points for experience any other single occupation. Work Experience Points 3-5 years experience as a researcher or in a field on the Positive List 15 1-2 years experience as a researcher or in a field on the Positive List 10 3-5 years experience in other work 5 Adaptability If you have studied or worked in the European Union/European Economic Area, you can claim a maximum of 15 points for adaptability. You can only claim points for either education experience or work experience -- not both. EU/EEA Education Experience Points Completion of at least one year of study in higher education in the EU/EEA or Switzerland 5 Completion of at least three years of study in higher education in the EU/EEA or Switzerland 10 EU/EEA Work Experience Points At least one year of work and residence in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland 5 At least two years of work and residence in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland 10 Age You can also earn a maximum of 15 points for your age: Age Points 35-40 years 10 34 years or younger 15 Family Members If you are granted a residence permit under Denmark's Green Card Scheme, your spouse or partner is also eligible for a residence permit, as well as any children under the age of 18 who are living at home with you. Your spouse or partner is allowed to work full time for the entire period of the residence permit's validity.

Canadian Immigration

Canada Immigration

Canada has a proud tradition of welcoming immigrants. One of every six Canadian residents was born outside the country. Canada is a land of opportunities - young and dynamic where immigration is the foundation for economic growth and which brings people all over from world and they also bring their customs, traditions, ritual and culture which makes Canada world’s best multicultural country to live in. Canada was ranked number one by the United Nations Human Development Index, as the best country in the world to live in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and, again, in 2000. With this in mind, thousands of people worldwide apply to become permanent residents of Canada each year. If you are considering applying for Permanent Residence in Canada, one of your first considerations will be the category under which you should apply. The United Nations has rated Canada as the best country in the world to live in, for seven consecutive years. Canada offers free primary and secondary education and subsidized post-secondary studies. Canada has one of the world’s best health systems. Every citizen and permanent resident is sheltered by insurance plan of the province he/she lives in. The life expectancy of Canadians is 82 years, which ranks them among the top five countries of the world. Although Canada has far less than 1% of the world's population, we are blessed with 9% of the world's fresh water resources. Immigration Categories Skilled workers and professionals Quebec-selected skilled workers Canadian Experience Class For people who want to settle and work in Canada (outside of Quebec) For people selected by the Quebec government to settle and work in Quebec For people who have recent Canadian work experience or who recently graduated and worked in Canada Family Sponsored Immigration Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people Provincial nominees For people sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Canada. For people who want to start a business in Canada One of Canada’s provinces or territories can nominate you to settle and work there

Australian Immigration

Australian Immigration

Australia is often referred to as "The Lucky Country." With its spacious surroundings, high standard of living and excellent health and education systems, Australia attracts visitors and migrants from all over the world. Add to that a temperate climate, beautiful landscape and political and economic stability, Australians really have a quality of life to be envied. The appeal of Australia is evident in the large number of people who migrate under the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Migration Program every year. In recent years, over 100,000 people have migrated to Australia every year. These people have helped contribute to Australia's growing multicultural population and will continue to shape Australia's future. Why Australia??? Sixth largest country in the world Lowest population density per square kilometere Diverse culture with people from almost 200 countries Ranked third in the United Nations 2006 Human Development Index One of the world's most urbanized country, with about 70% of the population living in the 10 largest cities An ideal place to live A true welfare state Immigration Categories Skilled Immigration Business Immigration Investor Immigration For people who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia. For people who want to establish, manage or develop a new or existing business in Australia. For people who want to invest in Australia. Family Sponsored Immigration State Sponsored Immigration For people sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia. For people who have skills in particular occupations required in State and Territory and are unable to meet the requirements of General Skilled Immigration.

Study in UK

How to apply for UK Student Visa?

Required Documents for Student Visa of UK Original Acceptance Letter issued by UK University/College Photographs (2) with white back ground Original Passport (6 Months validity) UK Student Visa Fee (Rs 13666/-) T.B Test Affidavit of Support from sponsor (on stamp Paper) Sponsor’s Bank Statement, for the last 6 Months Company Registration Letter from Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (If Company is registered with SECP) Company registration Letter from Chamber of Commerce & Industry (if firm is registered with Chamber of Commerce & Industry) NTN Certificate Tex returns for the last one years Sponsor’s Affidavit Indicating Net Income & Expenses Sponsor's Salary slip/Income deduction receipt Sponsor's source of income (on company Letterhead) Sponsor's Visiting Card Property Documents (Commercial, Residential, Agricultural) Property Affidavit Fixed Deposit Certificate (Photocopies) Rental Documents (If Applicable) UK Visa Processing Times The British High Commission, Islamabad, is currently processing all straightforward applications within 10 working days. However, if secondary checks are required this may extend up to 15 working days. TB Test Applicants in Pakistan can book appointments for TB screening with the call centre operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). IOM CALL CENTRE CONTACT NUMBERS For applicants from the Islamabad, Lahore and Mirpur areas: UAN (051) 111 466 472 or 0307-5124716 0307-5124719 0307-5124720 0307-5124721 0307-5124722 0307-5124723 NOTE: Applicants must submit their original documents with a complete set of photocopies, including the completed visa application form. Student applications should provide 2 sets of photocopies. Photocopies should be clearly legible, A4 size on 100 gram paper only unless legal size documents. The visa application centre may refuse to accept your application if you do not provide the required copies. The Islamabad Visa Application Centre reopened on Monday 17 November following a security review. In order to make an appointment to lodge your applications, please call the Call Centre on 0900 10411 (from a landline) or 8865 (from a mobile) Anyone wishing to apply for a UK visa or seeking to re-submit their passport following an allowed appeal at our Visa Application Centres (VAC), should contact our call-centre (0900 10411 from a landline or 8865 from a mobile) in order to make an appointment at their nearest VAC. Access to the VACs is restricted to those with appointments only, and anyone arriving without an appointment will be turned away. UK Visa Application Centers UK Visa Application Center LAHORE UK Visa Application Center Islamabad 20, Ex American centre building, Opp Ganga Ram hospital.Queens Road 14-B, Sadiq Plaza G-9 Markaz UK Visa Application Center Karachi 43/1/D, Razi road PECHS, Shahrah-e- Faisal Karachi

Study in Sweden

People in Sweden Population: 8,873,052 (July 2000 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (male 837,358; female 794,774) 15-64 years: 64% (male 2,901,809; female 2,805,138) 65 years and over: 18% (male 648,865; female 885,108) (2000 est.) Population growth rate: 0.02% (2000 est.) Birth rate: 10.01 births/1,000 population (2000 est.) Death rate: 10.62 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.) Net migration rate: 0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2000 est.) Infant mortality rate: 3.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.58 years male: 76.95 years female: 82.37 years (2000 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.53 children born/woman (2000 est.) Nationality: noun: Swede(s) adjective: Swedish Ethnic groups: indigenous population: Swedes and Finnish and Lapp (Sami) minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks Religions: Lutheran 87%, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist Languages: Swedish note: small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99% (1979 est.) male: NA% female: NA%

Gepgraphy of Sweden Location: Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 15 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 449,964 sq km land: 410,934 sq km water: 39,030 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: total: 2,205 km border countries: Finland 586 km, Norway 1,619 km Coastline: 3,218 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines territorial sea: 12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion of straits to high seas) Climate: temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north Terrain: mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west Elevation extremes: lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m Natural resources: zinc, iron ore, lead, copper, silver, timber, uranium, hydropower Land use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 1% forests and woodland: 68% other: 24% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 1,150 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic Environment - current issues: acid rain damaging soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol Geography - note: strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas Transportation in Sweden Railways: total: 12,821 km (includes 3,594 km of privately-owned railways) standard gauge: 12,821 km 1.435-m gauge (7,918 km electrified and 1,152 km double track) (1998) Highways: total: 210,907 km paved: 163,453 km (including 1,439 km of expressways) unpaved: 47,454 km (1998 est.) Waterways: 2,052 km navigable for small steamers and barges Pipelines: natural gas 84 km Ports and harbors: Gavle, Goteborg, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Hudiksvall, Kalmar, Karlshamn, Malmo, Solvesborg, Stockholm, Sundsvall Merchant marine: total: 165 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,301,633 GRT/1,726,018 DWT ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 26, chemical tanker 33, combination ore/oil 4, liquified gas 1, petroleum tanker 23, rail car carrier 1, roll-on/roll-off 43, short-sea passenger 4, specialized tanker 6, vehicle carrier 18 (1999 est.) Airports: 256 (1999 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 147 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 1,524 to 2,437 m: 80 914 to 1,523 m: 28 under 914 m: 25 (1999 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 109 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 104 (1999 est.) Heliports: 1 (1999 est.) Communications in Sweden Telephones - main lines in use: 6.017 million (December 1998) Telephones - mobile cellular: 3.835 million (October 1998) Telephone system: excellent domestic and international facilities; automatic system domestic: coaxial and multiconductor cable carry most voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay network carries some additional telephone channels international: 5 submarine coaxial cables; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 265, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 8.25 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 163 (1997) Televisions: 4.6 million (1997) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 29 (1999)

Study in Ireland

About Ireland Background: A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for the 26 southern counties; the six northern counties (Ulster) remained part of Great Britain. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, approved in 1998, has not yet been implemented.

Geography of Ireland Location: Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain Geographic coordinates: 53 00 N, 8 00 W Map references: Europe Area: total: 70,280 sq km land: 68,890 sq km water: 1,390 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 360 km border countries: UK 360 km Coastline: 1,448 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: not specified exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time Terrain: mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m Natural resources: zinc, lead, natural gas, barite, copper, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, peat, silver Land use: arable land: 13% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 68% forests and woodland: 5% other: 14% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: NA Environment - current issues: water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural runoff Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Tropical Timber 94 Geography - note: strategic location on major air and sea routes between North America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides within 97 km of Dublin. Communications in Ireland Telephones - main lines in use: 1,642,541 (1999) Telephones - mobile cellular: 941,775 (1999) Telephone system: modern digital system using cable and microwave radio relay domestic: microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 106, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 2.55 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 10 (plus 36 low-power repeaters) (1997) Televisions: 1.47 million (1997) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 14 (1999) People of Ireland Population: 3,797,257 (July 2000 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 21.85% (male 425,795; female 403,777) 15-64 years: 66.83% (male 1,271,367; female 1,266,150) 65 years and over: 11.33% (male 185,913; female 244,255) (2000 est.) Population growth rate: 1.16% (2000 est.) Birth rate: 14.51 births/1,000 population (2000 est.) Death rate: 8.14 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.) Net migration rate: 5.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2000 est.) Infant mortality rate: 5.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.81 years male: 74.06 years female: 79.74 years (2000 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.91 children born/woman (2000 est.) Nationality: noun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural) adjective: Irish Ethnic groups: Celtic, English Religions: Roman Catholic 91.6%, Church of Ireland 2.5%, other 5.9% (1998) Languages: English is the language generally used, Irish (Gaelic) spoken mainly in areas located along the western seaboard Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98% (1981 est.) male: NA% female: NA% Transportation in Ireland Railways: total: 1,947 km broad gauge: 1,947 km 1.600-m gauge (38 km electrified; 485 km double track) (1998) Highways: total: 92,500 km paved: 87,043 km (including 115 km of expressways) unpaved: 5,457 km (1999 est.) Waterways: 700 km (limited for commercial traffic) (1998) Pipelines: natural gas 225 km (1998) Ports and harbors: Arklow, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Foynes, Galway, Limerick, New Ross, Waterford Merchant marine: total: 31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 100,639 GRT/115,793 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 27, container 2, short-sea passenger 1 (1999 est.) Airports: 44 (1999 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 17 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 7 (1999 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 27 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 25 (1999 est.)

Study in Cyprus

People of Cyprus Population: 758,363 (July 2000 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (male 91,075; female 86,832) 15-64 years: 66% (male 252,252; female 247,464) 65 years and over: 11% (male 35,149; female 45,591) (2000 est.) Population growth rate: 0.6% (2000 est.) Birth rate: 13.27 births/1,000 population (2000 est.) Death rate: 7.68 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.) Net migration rate: 0.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2000 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.71 years male: 74.43 years female: 79.1 years (2000 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.95 children born/woman (2000 est.) Nationality: noun: Cypriot(s) adjective: Cypriot Ethnic groups: Greek 78% (99.5% of the Greeks live in the Greek Cypriot area; 0.5% of the Greeks live in the Turkish Cypriot area), Turkish 18% (1.3% of the Turks live in the Greek Cypriot area; 98.7% of the Turks live in the Turkish Cypriot area), other 4% (99.2% of the other ethnic groups live in the Greek Cypriot area; 0.8% of the other ethnic groups live in the Turkish Cypriot area) Religions: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic, and other 4% Languages: Greek, Turkish, English Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 94% male: 98% female: 91% (1987 est.) Geography of Cyprus Location: Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey Geographic coordinates: 35 00 N, 33 00 E Map references: Middle East Area: total: 9,250 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in the Turkish Cypriot area) land: 9,240 sq km water: 10 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 648 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: temperate, Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, winters Terrain: central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Olympus 1,951 m Natural resources: copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment Land use: arable land: 12% permanent crops: 5% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 13% other: 70% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 390 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: moderate earthquake activity Environment - current issues: water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Communications in Cyprus Telephones - main lines in use: Greek Cypriot area: 405,000 (1998); Turkish Cypriot area: 70,845 (1996) Telephones - mobile cellular: Greek Cypriot area: 68,000 (1998); Turkish Cypriot area: 70,000 (1999) Telephone system: excellent in both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot areas domestic: open wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay international: tropospheric scatter; 3 coaxial and 5 fiber-optic submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat Radio broadcast stations: Greek Cypriot area: AM 7, FM 60, shortwave 1 (1998); Turkish Cypriot area: AM 3, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: Greek Cypriot area: 310,000 (1997); Turkish Cypriot area: 56,450 (1994) Television broadcast stations: Greek Cypriot area: 4 plus 225 low-power repeaters; Turkish Cypriot area: 4 plus 5 repeaters (September 1995) Televisions: Greek Cypriot area: 248,000 (1997); Turkish Cypriot area: 52,300 (1994) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 5 (1999) Transportation in Cyprus Railways: 0 km Highways: total: Greek Cypriot area: 10,663 km (1998 est.); Turkish Cypriot area: 2,350 km (1996 est.) paved: Greek Cypriot area: 6,249 km (1998 est.); Turkish Cypriot area: 1,370 km (1996 est.) unpaved: Greek Cypriot area: 4,414 km (1998 est.); Turkish Cypriot area: 980 km (1996 est.) Ports and harbors: Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Vasilikos Merchant marine: total: 1,414 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 23,497,776 GRT/37,331,506 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 2, bulk 442, cargo 495, chemical tanker 22, combination bulk 40, combination ore/oil 8, container 144, liquified gas 6, passenger 8, petroleum tanker 142, refrigerated cargo 41, roll-on/roll-off 45, short-sea passenger 13, specialized tanker 4, vehicle carrier 2 (1999 est.) note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 37 countries among which are Greece 611, Germany 129, Russia 49, Latvia 278, Netherlands 20, Japan 28, Cuba 16, China 15, Hong Kong 13, and Poland 15 (1998 est.) Airports: 15 (1999 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 1 (1999 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (1999 est.) Heliports: 6 (1999 est.)

Study in Australia

AUSTRALIA Australia is a fresh, vibrant and above all friendly country of more than 20 million people. It is a country with a colourful history, a brilliant future and a delightful present ! It is also a land of enormous cultural and geographical diversity, of wide-open spaces and bustling, sophisticated cities that are considered to be among the most livable in the world. Australians enjoy an enviable lifestyle. The mild, subtropical climate throughout much of the country is ideal for the broadest possible choice of outdoor recreation throughout the year. For at least 50,000 years, Australia's Aboriginal people have maintained the world's oldest living culture - a very special heritage that adds a unique depth and richness to Australian life. Australia is the world's most cosmopolitan country with people from every continent and over two hundred nations. All this is behind Australia's increasing popularity with international visitors year by year. It is a land of contrasts, yet it is safe and friendly, and very welcoming to overseas visitors. Australian education standards are recognised to be of the very highest quality. For schools, colleges and universities, the latest telecommunications and computer Technologies are regarded as basic learning tools.

Geography of Australia Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean Geographic coordinates: 27 00 S, 133 00 E Map references: Oceana Area: total: 7,686,850 sq km land: 7,617,930 sq km water: 68,920 sq km note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island Area - comparative: slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 25,760 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m Natural resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum Land use: arable land: 6.15% (includes about 27 million hectares of cultivated grassland) permanent crops: 0.04% other: 93.81% (2005) Irrigated land: 25,450 sq km (2003) Total renewable water resources: 398 cu km (1995) Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): total: 24.06 cu km/yr (15%/10%/75%) per capita: 1,193 cu m/yr (2000) Natural hazards: cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires Environment - current issues: soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast, and is one of the most consistent winds in the world