Australia, also a country, is the world’s smallest continent with the smallest population (approx 20 million). It had been inhabited for over 40,000 years by the Indigenous Australians before settlers arrived in 1788. Having been claimed by the British in 1770 Australia it remains part of the Commonwealth until today. Large parts of Australia remain uninhabited “Outback” while the majority of its population has settled in the main city areas. Australia, due to its remote location is home to a number of animals only found in Australia. The Kangaroo, Platypus and the Koala are the best know species to fit into this category. Oceania – Australia and other surrounding nations – is made up of 28 political divisions, some of which are therefore not classed as independent states.