Australia is one of the earth’s continents. It is also the earth’s sixth largest country, measured in terms of surface area. The name “terra australis” means “southern country”. Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, north-west of New Zealand and south of Indonesia, East Timor, West New Guinea and Papua New Guinea. The following islands also belong to Australia: Tasmania, the Pacific Norfolk Islands, Cocos Islands, Christmas Island, and the Ashmore and Cartier Islands in the Indian Ocean. The sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, Heard Island and McDonald Islands also belong to the continent and country of Australia, as well as the Australian Antarctic Territory.