Australia is one of the wealthiest countries in the Asia-Pacific region with the 12th largest GDP. Australia's economy has grown significantly over the past two decades, and the country is now competitive on the global market for high-value manufactured goods, technologies, and financial and insurance services. Foreign students can anticipate lucrative employment opportunities in fields including teaching and social work, finance, IT, mining, and other engineering trades. Due to a strong economy, high employment rates, and high-quality employment opportunities, Australians have one of the greatest standards of living in the world.