
Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories, five of which are on the mainland, while the remaining state is an island located over 100 miles from the mainland. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The three internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory, while the seven external territories include the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory, and Christmas Island.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Federated States | 6 |
| Number of Federal Territories | 10 |
| Number of Internal Territories | 3 |
| Number of External Territories | 7 |
| States | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
| Internal Territories | Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory, Northern Territory |
| External Territories | Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island |
| Largest State by Area | Western Australia |
| Largest State by Population | New South Wales |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Australia has six states and ten federal territories
- The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia
- The three internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory
- The seven external territories include Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Each state and territory has its own government, legislature, and judicial system

Australia has six states and ten federal territories
Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories. Five of these states are on the mainland, while the sixth state,
The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and attractions. For example, Queensland is known as the "Sunshine State" for its subtropical climate and attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, while South Australia is a laid-back destination perfect for a relaxing getaway.
The ten federal territories consist of three internal territories and seven external territories. The internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory, all of which are on the Australian mainland. The external territories are the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and Norfolk Island.
The states and internal territories are self-governing, with their own independent executive governments, legislatures, and judicial systems. They are partially sovereign, having ceded some rights to the federal government, and they are represented in the Australian Parliament. The external territories, on the other hand, have only local government status and are overseen by federal departments.
Chinese Food Down Under: Traditional Dishes in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.6 $14.95

The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with each state having its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
New South Wales (NSW) is known for its wine regions, seaside villages, and mountain ranges. The state's capital, Sydney, is Australia's largest city and is home to famous landmarks such as Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. Sydney has a warm temperate climate and a population of over 4.2 million people.
Queensland, known as the 'Sunshine State', is a subtropical region in the northeast of Australia. It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Whitsunday Islands. The state's capital, Brisbane, enjoys an abundance of winter sunshine and is perfect for outdoor activities and water sports.
South Australia, with its capital in Adelaide, is a laid-back destination known for its wineries, arts scene, and festivals. It is a great place for a relaxing getaway while exploring the Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges, and Kangaroo Island.
Tasmania, an island state separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, offers breathtaking landscapes and vast wilderness. Its capital, Hobart, provides a cosmopolitan atmosphere with regional towns, food and wine trails, and family activities.
Victoria, with its thriving cultural hub in the state's capital of Melbourne, has been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Melbourne is known for its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere.
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia by area, spanning over 2.5 million square kilometres. It offers diverse attractions such as the Kimberley Region, Rottnest Island, and the Margaret River region. The state's capital, Perth, is known for its serene beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
Immigrate to Australia: Steps for Bangladeshis
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The three internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory
Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories. Five of these states are found on the mainland, while the sixth is an island located over 100 miles from the mainland.
Three of the federal territories are known as "internal territories" because of their mainland location. These are the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to Canberra, the nation's capital. The ACT blends the best of nature and culture, with cosmopolitan cities and natural wonders. It is renowned for its cool, cosmopolitan atmosphere and cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House.
The Jervis Bay Territory was created in 1915 when a small pocket of land around Jervis Bay was transferred from New South Wales to the federal government and incorporated into the Federal Capital Territory.
The Northern Territory is an administrative division in northern Australia, similar to a state. It was established in 1911 when the state of South Australia transferred control of the region to the federal government. The Northern Territory is a vast and sparsely populated region, known for its natural wonders, including the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Canceling an Indian Passport in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The seven external territories include Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories. Five of these states are found on the mainland, while the sixth, Tasmania, is an island located over 100 miles from the mainland. Three of the federal territories are internal territories, while the remaining seven are external territories.
Norfolk Island was originally part of New South Wales until it was transferred to the federal government in 1913, becoming a federal external territory. Christmas Island, located in the Indian Ocean, was returned to Britain following World War II and was incorporated into the Colony of Singapore. In 1958, Britain transferred Christmas Island back to Australia, and it became an external territory. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands were also transferred to Singapore after World War II but were returned to Australia in 1955 and became an external territory.
These external territories, along with the internal territories, have local government status overseen by federal departments. While they are not fully self-governing like the states, they do have some autonomy to administer local policies and programs.
Hinduism's Growth in Australia: Reasons and Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Each state and territory has its own government, legislature, and judicial system
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. These states and territories are the second level of government of Australia and are self-governing with their own constitutions, legislatures, executive governments, judiciaries, and law enforcement agencies.
The six states are New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island), Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania (including Macquarie Island), Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own government, legislature, and judicial system. For example, Queensland, known as the 'Sunshine State', has its own government and legislature, with its capital in Brisbane. Similarly, Tasmania, an island state separated from mainland Australia, has its own government and legislature, with its capital in Hobart.
The two territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The Australian Capital Territory, with its capital in Canberra, is unique as its parliament combines the responsibilities of both a local and state government. The Northern Territory, on the other hand, was created in 1911 when South Australia transferred control of the northern central mainland to the federal government. While both territories have their own governments and legislatures, they are still legally subordinate to the federal government.
In addition to these eight states and territories, Australia also has ten federal territories, three of which are internal territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. The other seven are external territories: the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and Norfolk Island. These external territories are governed by an Act of the federal Parliament and are constitutionally part of Australia, but most do not have their own independent government, legislature, and judicial system.
Understanding Zimmerman's Australian Size 1
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia is a union of six states.
The six states in Australia are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.
Yes, in addition to its six states, Australia also has two main territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. There are also several external territories, including Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, with a total area of over 2.5 million square kilometers.
Northern Australia is a proposed state, while Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island are proposed external territories.













![Australia, Sydney [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Adventure Map)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91bnKrWX+4L._AC_UL320_.jpg)



























