Australia » Sydney

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales, located on the east coast of Australia. The city was established in 1788 when Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove and claimed Australia for the British. With a metropolitan population of well over 4 million people, it is the most populous city in the country (with about 20% of the total population).

Built around Port Jackson, which is often considered one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, Sydney is known in Australia as the "Harbour City" and the "City of Lights" and the harbour itself as well as structures on its shores such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are globally recognised icons of the city.

Sydney is a major domestic and international tourist destination, notable for its climate, famous beaches, culture, renowned landmarks and modern architecture. It is Australia's main financial centre , and the many skyscrapers of its financial district cluster around Circular Quay, making the city's skyline one of the most distinctive in the world.

Sydney significantly raised its global profile in recent years as the host city of the 2000 Olympics. It is a "Beta" global city exerting significant regional, national, and international influence.