Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is the largest country in Oceania and the sixth-largest in the world, spanning over 2.96 million square miles. It is comprised of six states and ten federal territories, five of which can be found on the mainland, while the remaining state is an island located over 100 miles from the mainland. The three largest states in Australia by area are Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Western Australia is the largest state in the country, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles, with Queensland and the Northern Territory following as the second and third largest, respectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Largest state by area | Western Australia |
| Second-largest state by area | Queensland |
| Third-largest state by area | Northern Territory |
| Largest state by population | New South Wales |
| Total number of states | 6 |
| Total number of territories | 10 |
| Number of internal territories | 3 |
| Number of external territories | 7 |
| Total land area | 2,957,431 square miles |
| Population | 25.6 million |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia is the largest state
The vastness of Western Australia means that there is something for everyone. The state has a low population density, with more than 90% of inhabitants residing in the South West Land Division, leaving large tracts of land unoccupied. This makes it a great place for those seeking space and a connection with nature. The capital, Perth, offers a different experience with its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
Western Australia also has a rich history. Indigenous Australians have lived in the area for over 40,000 years, and in 1616, Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog became the first European to set foot in the region. The state was originally established as the Colony of Western Australia. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists, with its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural experiences.
As the largest state in Australia, Western Australia boasts a range of natural wonders and cultural attractions that make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the country. Its size also means that there is plenty of room to explore and discover, off the beaten path. Western Australia truly showcases the beauty and diversity of Australia, from its rugged outback landscapes to its pristine beaches and vibrant cities.
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Queensland is the second-largest state
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state by area. It covers approximately 665,615 square miles, which amounts to roughly 2.5 million square kilometres. Queensland was named in honour of Queen Victoria, who officially separated the state from New South Wales in 1859. The state is known for its subtropical climate and is nicknamed the 'Sunshine State'.
Queensland is home to around 5,000,000 people, the majority of whom reside along the coast, mainly in cities. The state's capital is Brisbane, and it is known for its warm climate and abundance of winter sunshine. Queensland boasts 10 of Australia's 30 largest cities, including the popular tourist destinations of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. The region's natural attractions include the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the Whitsunday Islands.
The state has a rich history, from its early days as a home to indigenous Australians to the establishment of the Australian Labor Party in the town of Barcaldine. Queensland has a diverse landscape, ranging from rolling deserts to lush rainforests and sun-soaked cities. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and water sports, with its coastline offering an array of beaches.
In addition to its natural attractions, Queensland has a thriving cultural scene. The state's capital, Brisbane, is a vibrant city with a range of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. Queensland also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing its cultural diversity and vibrant community spirit.
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Northern Territory is the third-largest state/territory
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area, and it is also considered the largest island in the world. The country is divided into six states and two territories, with five of the states located on the mainland and the sixth,
The largest state in Australia by area is Western Australia, which covers around 975,598 square miles. The second-largest state is Queensland, which covers an area of approximately 665,615 square miles.
The third-largest state/territory in Australia is the Northern Territory, which covers an area of about 515,733 square miles. The Northern Territory has a population of approximately 245,000 people, and its capital is Darwin. The region has a rich history, having been inhabited by indigenous Australians for over 60,000 years. The first successful European settlement in the area was established by the British at Port Darwin. The Northern Territory is known for its diverse landscapes, from rolling deserts to lush rainforests, making it a popular destination for local and international tourists.
The Northern Territory operates indistinguishably from the states in many ways, including having representation in the Parliament and Senate. However, it does not have constitutional status as a state, and its territorial legislation can be overridden. The region's major industries include mining and construction. The government has also recognised the importance of the land to indigenous Australians through the passing of Aboriginal land rights legislation, which aims to correct historical injustices and dispossession of indigenous land.
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New South Wales has the largest population
New South Wales has Australia's largest population, with 278,043 people identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the 2021 census. NSW is also one of the most culturally diverse states in the world, with just over a quarter (26.7%) of residents born overseas. The top five countries of birth for these residents are England, India, China, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
New South Wales is home to several significant cultural institutions, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Australia. The state also boasts several major museums and art galleries, such as the Australian Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, the Museum of Sydney, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Sydney, located in New South Wales, is home to Australia's first university, the University of Sydney, founded in 1850. Other universities in the state include the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, the University of Technology, and Western Sydney University.
New South Wales has a rich agricultural sector, with the central plains spanning 500 km from east to west and serving as the agricultural powerhouse of the state's economy. The western slopes and plains, which make up a significant portion of the state's area, are also crucial for agriculture, particularly the Riverina region and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
In terms of religion, Christianity was the primary affiliation in New South Wales as of the 2021 census, comprising 47.6% of the population. This percentage has declined over time, with an increasing number of people identifying with no religious affiliation.
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Australian Capital Territory is the smallest state
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with the majority of Australians living in the eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), also known as the Federal Capital Territory until 1938, is an internal territory of Australia and the smallest state. Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is situated within the territory and is the territory's primate city. The ACT is located in southeastern Australia as an enclave surrounded by the state of New South Wales.
The ACT is governed by a locally elected legislative assembly, which has been in place since 1988. However, the Commonwealth maintains authority over the territory and may overturn local laws. The territory has a population of 453,324 residents, making it the second smallest mainland state or territory by population. The median weekly income for people in the territory aged over 15 was $998 in 2016, which is significantly higher than the national median of $662.
The ACT is home to some of Australia's most important national institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House. The territory also boasts notable geological formations such as the Canberra Formation, the Pittman Formation, Black Mountain Sandstone, and State Circle Shale. The oldest rocks in the territory date back to the Ordovician period, around 480 million years ago.
In terms of size, the three largest states in Australia are Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Western Australia is the largest state, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles. Queensland is the second-largest state, with a total area of approximately 665,615 square miles. The Northern Territory is the third-largest territory, covering an area of about 515,733 square miles.
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