Australia

Australia is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and many  smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area.The population of 22.7 million is heavily concentrated in the Eastern states (there are six states) and is highly urbanised.

Name Australia is derived from the Latin australis, meaning "southern". Legends of Terra Australis Incognita - an "unknown land of the South" - date back to Roman times and were commonplace in medieval geography, although not based on any documented knowledge of the continent. Following European discovery, names for the Australian landmass were often references to the famed Terra Australis.

After discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, Australia's eastern half was claimed by Great Britain in 1770. The population grew steadily; the continent was explored and an additional five self-governing colonies were established. In 1901, the six colonies federated, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. Since Federation, Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system that functions as a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. 

Just two more amazing facts... About 85 per cent of flowering plants, 84 per cent of mammals, more than 45 per cent of birds, and 89 per cent of in-shore, temperate-zone fish are endemic. Australia has the greatest number of reptiles of any country, with 755 species.

The stamp was issued, like many more in other countries, to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic games. I like both the card and the stamp. Thanks to Alison!