Ruqayyah Snyder
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. The two territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, covering approximately 2.65 million square kilometers, which is about one-third of the country's total land area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Western Australia |
| Area | 2,529,875 km² |
| Population | 2.7 million |
| Capital City | Perth |
| Time Zone | Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) |
| GDP | AUD 267 billion (2022-23) |
| Governor | David Hurley |
| Premier | David Honey |
| Date of Foundation | June 1, 1829 |
| Indigenous Population | 3.5% of the state's total population |
| Life Expectancy (Males/Females) | 79.9/84.2 years |
| Literacy Rate | 99% |
| Main Industries | Mining, agriculture, tourism |
| Famous Landmarks | Purnululu National Park, Ningaloo Reef, Swan River, Kings Park |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia: the largest state
Western Australia, also known as WA, is the largest state in Australia. It occupies the western 32.9 percent of the country's land area, excluding external territories. WA is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the northeast, and South Australia to the southeast. With a land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi), it is not only the largest state in Australia but also the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth, only surpassed by Russia's Sakha Republic.
As of 2017, Western Australia had a population of about 2.6 million people, which increased to 2.965 million in 2024. This represented 10.9 percent of Australia's total population. Over 90 percent of the state's population resides in the southwest corner, with around 79 to 80 percent living in the state capital, Perth. The rest of the state is sparsely populated.
The state's economy is largely driven by its mining sector, which includes the world's largest iron ore mining industry, as well as significant gold mining operations. WA is also a major producer of bauxite, petroleum, and natural gas. The primary industry, including agriculture, pastoralism, forestry, and fishing, also contributes significantly to the state's economy.
Western Australia boasts a diverse range of climates and ecoregions. It encompasses tropical regions in the Kimberley, deserts such as the Great Sandy Desert and the Great Victoria Desert, and a Mediterranean climate in the southwest. The state is home to numerous rivers, including the Fitzroy and the Ord, which is dammed to form Australia's largest freshwater lake, Lake Argyle. The flora of WA comprises a vast array of native vascular plant species, and the state is known for its rich bird life, with around 630 species recorded.
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Population distribution
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with Western Australia being the largest state by land area. It covers approximately 2.5 million to 2.65 million square kilometres, which is about one-third of Australia's total land area. To put this into perspective, Western Australia is comparable in size to the entire country of Portugal, and it is about ten times larger than the US state of Texas.
The vast size of Western Australia contributes to a diverse range of landscapes, including deserts, forests, and coastlines. However, it also affects population distribution, with much of the state being sparsely populated compared to the coastal areas. The majority of Australians live in the eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, which collectively form 79% of the country's total population.
New South Wales, the nation's most populous state, offers a range of attractions, from indulgent wine regions to pristine seaside villages and mountain wilderness. Its capital, Sydney, is the largest city in Australia. Queensland, known as the 'Sunshine State', boasts a subtropical climate and is home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the Whitsunday Islands.
Victoria, another eastern coastal state, is known for its vibrant cities, picturesque beaches, and diverse natural landscapes. The Australian Capital Territory, home to the nation's capital, Canberra, is also located in this eastern coastal region, contributing to the high population density along the east coast.
In contrast, Western Australia's large geographic area and relatively sparse population result in a lower population density compared to these eastern states. The diverse landscapes and vast expanses of Western Australia offer a unique experience, with iconic destinations such as the Pinnacles Desert, the Kimberley region, and the Margaret River wine region.
While Western Australia is the largest state in terms of land area, it is important to note that the Northern Territory, one of the two territories, also covers a significant land area. The Northern Territory is known for its rugged outback landscapes, including the iconic Uluru, Kakadu National Park, and Litchfield National Park.
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Diverse landscapes
Australia is a country of diverse landscapes, from rolling deserts to lush rainforests, and from sun-soaked cities to pristine seaside villages. The largest state in Australia is Western Australia, which covers an area of approximately 2.5 million square kilometres, or about 2.65 million square kilometres, according to some sources. This makes it larger than New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. In fact, Western Australia is about the size of the entire country of Portugal, and it is nearly 10 times larger than Texas in the United States.
The vast size of Western Australia contributes to its varied landscapes, which range from deserts to forests and coastlines. The state is sparsely populated in many areas, with most people living in the coastal areas. Western Australia offers a unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms.
Queensland, also known as the 'Sunshine State', is a subtropical stretch of land in the northeast of Australia. It is home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Queensland's capital, Brisbane, enjoys plenty of winter sunshine and warmth, making it perfect for outdoor activities and water sports.
New South Wales is another popular destination, known for its indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness. The nation's biggest city, Sydney, is located on the shores of Port Jackson in New South Wales. The state also boasts the Sapphire Coast to the south, the Central Coast to the north, and the Blue Mountains to the west.
The Northern Territory is renowned for its sublime landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture. It is home to some of the country's premier national parks, including Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park. The iconic Uluru is also located in the Northern Territory, offering a quintessential Australian experience.
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Territories and their autonomy
Australia has six federated states: New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island), Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania (including Macquarie Island), Victoria, and Western Australia.
The country also has ten federal territories, out of which three are internal territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory on the Australian mainland. The remaining 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 that are offshore dependent territories.
The states are partially sovereign, administrative divisions that are self-governing polities, having ceded some sovereign rights to the federal government. They have their own constitutions, legislatures, executive governments, judiciaries, and law enforcement agencies that administer and deliver public policies and programs.
The territories can be autonomous and administer local policies and programs much like the states in practice, but they are still legally subordinate to the federal government. Each state and internal territory (except Jervis Bay Territory) has its own legislature, although the Federal Parliament can override territorial legislation. The Federal High Court of Australia acts as the final court of appeal for all matters and has the authority to override any state judiciary. While all states and internal territories have their own judicial system (subject to appeal to the High Court), most external territories are subject to the judiciary and legislature of either a state or internal territory.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Northern Territory operate almost indistinguishably from the states (for example, both have representation in the Parliament since 1948 and in the Senate since 1975), even though they do not have constitutional status as states and territorial legislation can be overridden.
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The smallest continent
Australia is the smallest continent in the world. It is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. From rolling deserts to lush rainforests and sun-soaked cities, Australia has something for everyone.
The six states of Australia are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, covering approximately 2.5 to 2.65 million square kilometers, or about one-third of the country's total land area. It is significantly larger than the other states and territories, and its size contributes to a diverse range of landscapes, from deserts to forests and coastlines.
The majority of Australians live in the eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, which collectively form 79% of the country's population. The state of New South Wales is known for its indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness. Its capital, Sydney, is the nation's biggest city. Queensland, also known as the 'Sunshine State', is a subtropical stretch of land in the northeast of Australia, home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Australia also administers several external territories, including Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, the Cocos (or Keeling) Islands, the Jervis Bay Territory, the Coral Sea Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island, and the Australian Antarctic Territory, covering 42% of the Antarctic continent.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia is the largest state or territory in Australia, covering approximately 2.5 million to 2.65 million square kilometers. This makes up about one-third of Australia's total land area.
The size of Western Australia is comparable to the entire country of Portugal. If compared to a US state, Western Australia is about 10 times larger than Texas.
Due to its large land area, Western Australia has diverse landscapes, ranging from deserts to forests and coastlines. The state has a sparse population in many areas, with most people living along the coast.
