How has Australia become a wealthy nation with so much of it being desert?

Answer 1

Australia gained much of its wealth initially through two aspects: the sheep industry, and gold mining. These two industries formed the backbone of what has continued to be a very successful agricultural and mining industry even today.

As well as being an ideal place for sheep, which can survive quite a range of climate conditions, its weather, terrain and climate are ideal for growing a variety of foods, from cereal crops to vegetables to fruits. There is iterally nothing that cannot be grown in Australia, even though some itesm are clearly more viable. The country has the capacity to be self-sufficient.

Australia is also rich in Natural Resources. Besides gold, Australia has plenty of minerals, precious stones and metals, as well as energy resources such as coal, which are in great demand by other countries. Australia has a very strong trading association with many other nations, and it is this which forms the basis for Australia's wealth.