Australian Capital Territory - economic and community profile

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is the hub of the Capital Region and offers resident and visitors a lifestyle unrivalled by other Australian cities and its relationship with its natural environment sets it apart from other world capitals.

It has all the benefits of a cosmopolitan city, yet occupies a unique situation in that it is only a two-hour drive to the South Coast and to numerous resorts in the magnificent Snowy Mountains, which offer excellent skiing, fishing and bushwalking.

It is the custodian of the nation's great institutions, such as the Australian War Memorial, the superb Australian National Gallery, the High Court of Australia and the National Museum of Australia.

But beneath this formal veneer beats a heart of a vibrant, socially progressive and culturally rich city.

The presence of over 70 diplomatic embassies ensures that Canberra's position as a distinctively multicultural capital city. Multiculturalism is proudly celebrated during Canberra's National Multicultural Festival in the autumn.

Canberra is also home to six tertiary institutions, the Australian National University, University of Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy, Australian Catholic University, Canberra Institute of Technology and the Australian International Hotel School.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has consistently maintained a low or the lowest unemployment rate of all Australian States and Territories.

Whilst traditionally reliant on the Public Sector, personal and business services, hospitality and accommodation are now showing strong employment growth and the Territory is establishing a strong international reputation in the information and advanced technology sectors.