Lyla Lindsey
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area. It is geographically diverse, with rainforests, waterfalls, rugged bushland, outback deserts, and a coastline of over 32,000 kilometres. Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories. The largest state in Australia by land area is Western Australia. The second-largest state in Australia is Queensland, which covers more than 22% of the continent's land area. Queensland is home to ten of the fifty most populous cities in Australia, including Brisbane, the state capital and the country's third-largest city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Second biggest state in Australia | Queensland |
| Total land area | 665,615 square miles |
| Percentage of Australia's total land area | 22% |
| Population | 5.6 million |
| Percentage of Australia's population | 20% |
| Number of cities in the top 50 most populous cities in Australia | 10 |
| Position in terms of economy | Third largest |
| Credit rating (S&P Global) | AA+/Negative/A-1+ |
| Credit rating (Moody's) | Aa1/Stable/P-1 |
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What You'll Learn
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state
The state was named after Queen Victoria, who officially separated Queensland from New South Wales in 1859. Queensland has a total area of approximately 665,615 square miles (1,723,977 square kilometres), making it the second-largest state in Australia after Western Australia. The town of Barcaldine is known for being the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party.
Queensland is home to ten of Australia's fifty most populous cities, including Brisbane, the state's capital and the country's third-largest city. Brisbane is known for its year-round sunshine and warmth, as well as its proximity to renowned coastal areas such as the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The city accounts for about 9% of the country's total population, with 73.7% of its residents being Australian-born, according to the 2011 census.
The state boasts a diverse economy, ranking third in Australia after New South Wales and Victoria. Queensland has received credit ratings from S&P Global and Moody's, reflecting its economic strength. The state also has a range of natural resources and is known for its indigenous history. The Aboriginal land rights legislation recognises the importance of land to indigenous Australians and aims to correct historical injustices.
With its vast land area, diverse population, and vibrant economy, Queensland plays a significant role in shaping Australia's culture, environment, and economic landscape as the country's second-largest state.
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It covers over 22% of the country
With a total area of 2,529,875 square kilometres (976,789 sq mi), Western Australia is the second-biggest state in Australia. It accounts for almost one-third of the country's total area, covering over 22% of the nation. To put this into perspective, if Western Australia were a country, it would be the tenth-largest in the world, slightly larger than Algeria and smaller than Kazakhstan. The vast expanse of this state is due in part to its unique shape, which stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Northern Territory border, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes. From the rugged Kimberley region in the north, with its ancient rocky landscapes and pristine waterholes, to the south, where lush forests and vineyards surround historic cities like Margaret River and Albany, Western Australia is a state of contrasts. The size of the state also becomes apparent when considering its sparse population density. With over 2.6 million people, it has a low population density of just 1.0 person per square kilometre. This is largely due to the vast remote interior, which includes the famous Outback, a sparsely populated region known for its remote towns, cattle stations, and unique desert landscapes. The vast size of Western Australia presents both opportunities and challenges. The state boasts immense natural resources, including rich mineral deposits and vast agricultural lands, driving a thriving mining and resources sector. However, the large distances between population centres and the isolation of some communities present logistical challenges for infrastructure, transportation, and service delivery. Overall, the sheer size of Western Australia shapes its character, offering a unique blend of remote wilderness, natural wonders, and a sense of vast open spaces that define this part of the country.
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Queensland is home to 20% of Australians
Queensland is a state in northeastern Australia and is the second largest by land area, covering more than 22% of the continent. With a population of 5.6 million, it is home to 20% of Australians, making it the third-most populous state in the country.
The state has a diverse economy, with a credit rating of AA+/Negative/A-1+ by S&P Global and Aa1/Stable/P-1 by Moody’s. Its capital and largest city, Brisbane, is the third-largest city in Australia. The Gold Coast, a coastal city in southeastern Queensland, is the state's second-most populous city and the sixth-largest city in Australia. Queensland is also home to nine other cities that are among the 30 largest in the country.
Queensland has a rich history, with Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders having inhabited the region for at least 40,000 years. The first European to explore the area was Willem Janszoon, a Dutch navigator, in 1606. In the 1850s, immigration to Queensland began to support the state's economy, and during the latter part of the 19th century, many labourers from Pacific Island nations were brought to work in the state's sugar cane fields. Queensland became a federated state within Australia in 1901 and has since remained so.
The state is home to five of Australia's 11 World Natural Heritage areas, including the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the Wonders of the World. Queensland's natural wonder extends over 2,000 kilometres, covering more than a quarter of the state's 7,400-kilometre coastline. The state also features diverse geographical features and climates, including tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, and white sandy beaches.
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The state has a diverse economy
Queensland is the second-largest Australian state by land area, accounting for about 22% of the country's total area. The state has a diverse economy, with a credit rating of AA+/Negative/A-1+ by S&P Global and Aa1/Stable/P-1 by Moody’s. Queensland's economy is the third largest in Australia, after New South Wales and Victoria.
The state's natural wonders include the Great Barrier Reef, which extends over 2,000km and covers more than a quarter of the state’s 7,400km coastline. Queensland is also home to ten of the fifty most populous cities in Australia, including Brisbane, the state capital and the country's third-largest city. The warm and sunny climate of Brisbane makes it ideal for outdoor activities, and it is within a short driving distance of the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, which boast some of the best beaches in the world.
Queensland's population of 5.6 million accounts for more than 20% of Australians, with around 3.5 million people living in the state's south-east corner. The state has a diverse population, with 73.7% born in Australia and 26.3% born elsewhere, according to the 2011 census. The five highest religions in the state are Catholic (23.8%), Anglican (18.9%), those with no religion (22.1%), those who did not state a religious affiliation (9.1%), and the Uniting Church.
The state has a rich history, from its indigenous Australian inhabitants to the time when it was separated from New South Wales in 1859 and named after Queen Victoria, the then-queen of England. The town of Barcaldine is notable for being the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party.
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Queensland is known for its natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state by land area, covering over 22% of the continent. It is home to over 5.6 million people, with around 3.5 million living in the state's southeast corner. Queensland is known for its natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef, which extends over 2,000 kilometres, covering more than a quarter of the state's 7,400-kilometre coastline. The Great Barrier Reef is a distinct feature of the East Australian Cordillera division and is comprised of over 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays, as well as hundreds of picturesque tropical islands. The reef provides divers with a spectacular underwater experience, with its vivid coral and abundant marine life.
The Great Barrier Reef has long been known and used by Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For the approximately 70 clan groups, the reef is an important cultural feature. In addition to its cultural significance, the reef is also recognised for its environmental importance. A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human activities such as fishing and tourism. However, the reef faces various environmental pressures, including the runoff of human-made pollutants, climate change, and the dumping of dredging sludge. Despite these challenges, the Great Barrier Reef remains one of the world's most remarkable natural gifts, offering breathtaking beauty and a diverse range of experiences for visitors.
The Queensland government has taken steps to address the environmental concerns facing the Great Barrier Reef. In 2018, the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan was announced, aiming to transition local communities, agricultural organisations, and industries to more sustainable practices. This plan is a collaborative effort between the Queensland government and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to manage the amounts of runoff that reach the reef and mitigate crown-of-thorns starfish population flare-ups.
The Great Barrier Reef is also a significant economic driver for Queensland, with towns like Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, and Mackay serving as independent centres that do not rely on Brisbane. The reef attracts visitors from all over the world, offering unforgettable experiences such as diving and snorkelling among its vibrant marine life and pristine tropical rainforests. The Whitsunday Islands, in particular, are a popular destination, known for their sun-soaked, golden beaches and panoramic ocean views.
Overall, Queensland's natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, cultural significance, and breathtaking beauty. It is a vital part of Australia's natural heritage and a major attraction for visitors seeking to explore the wonders of the underwater world and the tropical landscapes of North Queensland.
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Frequently asked questions
Queensland is the second-biggest state in Australia by land area, covering more than 22% of the continent.
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia by land area.
Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia and is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait.
New South Wales is the most populous state in Australia, accounting for about 32% of the country's population.
Victoria is the second-most populous state in Australia, accounting for about 24% of the country's population.
