
Australia is a union of six states: Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. In addition to these, there are two mainland territories: the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The capital of Australia is Canberra, which is located in the Australian Capital Territory. Each state and territory has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms, offering something for everyone, from rolling deserts to lush rainforests and sun-soaked cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states | 6 |
| Names of the states | New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania |
| Number of territories | 10 |
| 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 |
| Capital | Canberra |
| Most populous city | Sydney |
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What You'll Learn

Capitals of Australian states
Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories, including three internal territories and seven external territories. The six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. Each state has its own capital, and the capital of the country is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory.
New South Wales is a state in southeastern Australia, and its capital is Sydney, the largest city in Australia. Sydney is famous for its landmarks, including Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. It has a warm temperate climate and a population of over 4 million people.
Victoria is another southeastern state in Australia, with its capital being Melbourne, the second-largest city in the country. Melbourne is known for its vibrant food and wine culture, as well as its cafes and restaurants. It is located on Port Phillip Bay and has a population of around 3.6 million people.
Queensland, also known as the 'Sunshine State', is a subtropical state in northeast Australia. Its capital, Brisbane, enjoys a warm and sunny climate and has the fastest-growing population among Australian cities. Brisbane is known for its outdoor activities and water sports, as well as its proximity to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Western Australia, the largest state in Australia, is situated on the west coast of the country. Its capital, Perth, is known for its serene beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood. The state boasts attractions such as the Kimberley Region and Rottnest Island, home to the quokka.
South Australia is a state in the southern central part of the country, with Adelaide as its capital. Adelaide is renowned for its cultural offerings, including festivals, food, and wine.
Tasmania is a state in Australia, and its capital is Hobart. The state is known for its natural beauty, including its rugged mountains and pristine beaches.
In addition to the state capitals, it is worth noting that Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, located in the northern region of Australia. It is the country's most northern capital city and is named after the scientist Charles Darwin.
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Territories of Australia
Australia has six states and ten federal territories, three of which are internal territories and seven are external territories. The internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory 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, which are offshore dependent territories.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory operate in a similar way to the states, with representation in the Parliament and Senate. However, they do not have constitutional status as states, and territorial legislation can be overridden. The majority of Australians (79%) live in the eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory.
The Jervis Bay Territory is administered directly by the Federal Government through the Territories portfolio. The external territory of Norfolk Island had a degree of self-government from 1979 to 2015. Each state and internal territory (except the Jervis Bay Territory) has its own independent executive government, legislature, and judicial system, while the rest are overseen by federal departments.
The capital of the Northern Territory is Darwin, and the capital of Australia is Canberra, which is located in the Australian Capital Territory.
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Federation in 1901
Australia is a union of six states: Western Australia (capital: Perth), Northern Territory, South Australia (capital: Adelaide), Queensland (capital: Brisbane), New South Wales (capital: Sydney), and Victoria (capital: Melbourne). Tasmania (capital: Hobart) is also a state, though it was initially established as a separate colony named Van Diemen's Land in 1825.
On January 1, 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed in the Federation Pavilion in Sydney's Centennial Park. Sir Edmund Barton was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister, leading a provisional Federal ministry of nine members. The inauguration ceremonies included a five-mile procession through the decorated streets of Sydney, greeted by enthusiastic crowds.
The new constitution, which came into force on the same day, established a bicameral Parliament, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. It also created the office of governor-general, representing the Queen and initially the British Government. The Constitution divided the powers between the states and the new Commonwealth government, with the states retaining their own parliaments and most existing powers. However, the federal government assumed responsibility for matters concerning the whole nation, including defence, immigration, quarantine, customs, banking, and coinage, among other powers.
Federation also resulted in the formation of a customs and fiscal union, with tariffs abolished on interstate trade. The colonies adopted the Commonwealth's common external tariff schedule in October 1901. Additionally, the federal troops, known as the Australian Commonwealth Horse, embarked for South Africa in December 1901, marking the first deployment of Australian troops under the new Commonwealth government.
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Population distribution
Australia is a union of six states: Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. The Northern Territory is also often included in this list. The majority of Australians (79%) live in the eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, which includes Canberra, the nation's capital with a population of 324,800. Sydney, Australia's largest city, is also located in New South Wales and has a population of 4,254,900. Melbourne, the second-largest capital city, is located in Victoria and has a population of 3,634,200. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, has the fastest-growing population of all Australian cities.
Australia's population is heavily concentrated in urban areas, with 89% of its population living in a handful of urban areas. The country has a low population density of 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi), making it the third least densely populated country in the world. Most Australians live close to coastlines, and there are five cities (including their suburbs) with over a million people.
Historically, the rate of natural increase in Australia peaked in 1912-1914 at 17.4 per thousand population. It declined during the Great Depression and after World War II, it increased sharply due to the baby boom and immigration. Since 1962, there has been a fall in the rate of natural increase due to falling fertility rates. The fertility rate rose to 1.81 in 2006, one of the highest rates in the OECD, but the ageing population and low fertility are expected to cause natural population increase to fall below zero in the mid-2030s.
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Tourist attractions
Australia is a country that consists of six states and ten federal territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia.
New South Wales, the oldest and most populous state in Australia, offers a combination of history, natural beauty, and urban glamour. The Sydney Opera House, the coastal beaches, and the national parks are some of the major tourist attractions in the state. The Mungo National Park, located in the southwestern part of the state, is a beautiful place of dramatic contrasts. Mount Kosciusko, the tallest mountain in Australia, is another important landmark in New South Wales.
Queensland is known for its sparkling coastline and idyllic islands, including the Whitsundays, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast. The Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage-listed site, is one of the major attractions in the state, offering opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and boating. The Daintree Rainforest, home to the world's oldest living rainforest, provides a chance to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Tasmania, a state off the southeastern coast of Australia, boasts stunning natural landmarks such as Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park, which features abundant wildlife, glacial lakes, and colourful foliage in autumn. The Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement, offers a glimpse into Australia's brutal history. The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart is another notable attraction, showcasing a world-renowned art collection. Tasmania's northern region is known for its artisanal produce, including truffles, gelati, hazelnuts, and craft beer.
Victoria offers a diverse range of attractions, from sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains to wildlife experiences and historic sites. Phillip Island is a popular destination to observe little penguins and other Australian animals. Ballarat, a gold rush town, provides a glimpse into the 1850s with horse-drawn carriage rides and gold panning experiences. The Grampians/Gariwerd National Park is an ideal place to explore Aboriginal culture and learn about the region's flora and fauna. Melbourne, the state's capital, invites exploration through walking tours, bus tours, and the historic City Circle Tram route.
Western Australia, the largest state in the country, boasts vast landscapes, ancient Aboriginal sites, and renowned wineries. The Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef, and the Kimberley region are popular destinations for those seeking adventure and wide-open spaces. The Margaret River region is known for its wineries and laid-back luxury. Perth, the state's capital, offers cultural experiences with its art scene and maritime history.
These states in Australia offer a diverse range of attractions, from natural wonders and wildlife to cultural and historical experiences, providing visitors with a wealth of choices to explore and discover.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is made up of six states: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.
Australia has two internal territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It also has several external territories, including Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The capital cities of the Australian states include Sydney (New South Wales), Melbourne (Victoria), Brisbane (Queensland), Perth (Western Australia), Adelaide (South Australia), and Hobart (Tasmania).





















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