11Культура, обычаи и традиции

The US is a one of the centre of culture. The US has the world’s greatest museums, theatres, concert halls (New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles) American people like TV, movies and record music. Americans enjoy sport, such as baseball football, basketball and hockey, as well as golf and tennis.

Americans like to travel by car and by plane to the regions with warm climate. (Florida).

There are 10 federal holidays: Labor Day (Sep), Columbus Day (Oct), Veterans Day (Nov), Thankgiving Day (1620, 4 Nov, traditional foods: Turkey, pumpkin pie), Christmas, Martin Luther King’s Day ( Jan, he was the famous fighter for civil rightes), President’s Day ( Feb, two American presidents are honoured - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln), Easter (March), Memorial Day (Americans honour the soldiers killed in war) and Independence Day ( 4 July, 1776).

THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

10. Географическое положение, флаг, национальные эмблемы

The Commonwealth of Australia is a federal state and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The territory of A. with the island state of Tasmania is about 3 million sq miles. The population is of about 20 million people. As A. is situated in the south hemisphere, it has a winter when we have summer, and summer – when we have winter.

A. is washed by the Indian Ocean on its west and by the Pacific Ocean on its east coast. Mountain ranges are situated in the east. The western part includes the Great Victoria Desert to the south and the Great Sandy Desert to the north. Tasmania is situated in the south-east.

The climate is warm and dry. The main rivers are Murray and Darling. There is one Lake Eyre.

The Australian Flag was adopted in 1901. It consists of a blue background with the Union Jack in its top left corner. The large 7-ponted star under Union Jack represents the 6 states and 2 territories. The smaller stars form the Southern Cross, a constillation of 5 stars, which is a well-known feature of the southern hemisphere’s night sky.

The emu and kangaroo are represented on the national emblem of A.

12. Education

Education is regulated by the state governments. Compulsory education in A includes 2 levels:

- the primary education

-the secondary education

The age of compulsory education is from 6 or 7 years to 15-17 years.

Post compulsory education in A is regulated by the Australian Qualifications Framework. It is Tertiary education. Tertiary education is Universities, Technical and Further education colleges.

Tertiary education includes vocational and higher education. You can get certificate, Diploma of vocational training for 1-2 years. You can get Bachelor degree at University for 3- 4 years.

After completion of Bachelor degree you can get Master degree, then Doctorate.

13 Австралия: экономика, транспорт и наука

About 98% of manufacturing firms in A are a small business. The main industries are: electrical and electronics, airspace, information technology, chemicals, iron and steel, forestry, motor vehicles.

A is a leader of wool production. Also A is a supplier of cereals, dairy products, meat, sugar, fruits, fishing products. A-n wines are famous for their high quality.

The service industry is the largest segment of economy. It includes trade, finance, communication, education, tourism and business services.

A-n scientists and researchers are responsible for many advances in medical science, manufacturing, mining and agricultural industries, technology, geology. Penicillin was discovered by Lord Flog.

Transport in A has developed rapidly. Regional airplanes have a good reputation. Also A is one of the leaders in road safety. Trains operate in all state of A expect Tasmania. There is the famous Long Straight. It is the longest straight in the world.

A has about 70 commercial ports, which trade with about 200 countries.