Damon Mcknight
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, encompassing the main continent and 8222 islands. The country is divided into six states, two main territories, and several smaller territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, covering about 33% of the country's total area. It is about 975,598 square miles, bigger than Western Europe, and twelve times bigger than the UK.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the largest state | Western Australia |
| Total land area | 975,598 square miles or 2,529,875 sq km |
| Percentage of the country's total area | 33% |
| Population | Fourth-most populous state in Australia, accounting for about 10% of the country's population |
| Capital | Perth, the fourth-largest city in Australia |
| Population of capital | Accounts for about 8% of the country's total population |
| Population density | Low |
| Year of settlement by Europeans | 1616 |
| First European to set foot in the region | Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog |
| First inland settlement | York, established on September 16, 1831 |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia is the largest state
The history of Western Australia is deeply rooted in its indigenous communities, who have inhabited the region for over 40,000 years. In 1616, Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog became the first European to set foot in the region. York was established as the region's first inland settlement on September 16, 1831.
Western Australia was initially established as the Swan River Colony in 1829 before becoming a full-fledged colony in the mid-19th century. In 1901, it became one of the six founding states of the Commonwealth of Australia, alongside New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania.
Today, Western Australia boasts a diverse landscape, with a land border of 1862 km and a coastline of 20,871 km. More than 90% of its inhabitants reside in the South West Land Division, leaving vast tracts of land unoccupied. The state is known for its low population density, with approximately 10% of the country's population calling it home.
In conclusion, Western Australia's vast size and unique characteristics make it a significant part of Australia's geography and history. Its large expanse and relatively small population contribute to its distinct character within the Australian landscape.
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Queensland is the second-largest state
Queensland was separated from New South Wales in 1859 and named in honour of Queen Victoria. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales to the west, southwest, and south, respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Torres Strait lies to the north of the state, separating the Australian mainland from Papua New Guinea, and the Gulf of Carpentaria is located to the northwest.
Queensland has a population of over 5.5 million, with a high interstate net migration rate. The capital and largest city in the state is Brisbane, comprising half of the state's population and being the third-largest city in Australia. Ten of Australia's thirty largest cities are located in Queensland, including the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Ipswich, and Toowoomba.
Queensland has a diverse economy, with its natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef, contributing to a thriving tourism industry. The state also has strong mining, banking, insurance, transportation, information technology, real estate, and food sectors.
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New South Wales is the most populous state
Australia is one of the world's largest countries and is unique in its low population density. The country is divided into six states and ten federal territories. Western Australia is the largest state in the country, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles.
New South Wales (NSW) is a state on the east coast of Australia. It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the states of Queensland to the north, Victoria to the south, and South Australia to the west. The Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory are enclaves within the state.
NSW has the highest population of any state in Australia, with 8,153,000 residents as of 30 June 2022. This accounts for approximately 31.42% of the nationwide population, with almost two-thirds of the state's population living in the Greater Sydney region. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is also Australia's most populous city.
New South Wales has a diverse population, with more than 275 different languages spoken and 144 religions practiced. The state also has the highest population of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people in the country, making up 3.4% of the NSW population.
In addition to its population size, New South Wales is notable for its diverse landscape, including coastal mountains and interior tablelands. The Snowy Mountains, located in the western part of the state, feature Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia at 7,310 feet. The western plains cover more than two-thirds of the state but are sparsely populated compared to the coastal regions.
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South Australia is the fifth-largest state
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with South Australia being the fifth-largest state. It is located in the southern central part of the country and is bordered by all the other mainland states.
South Australia has a total land area of 984,321 square kilometres (380,048 sq mi), including some of the most arid parts of the continent. The state's population is the second-most highly centralised in the nation, with more than 77% of South Australians living in the capital, Adelaide, or its surrounding areas. The population of South Australia was 1,806,599 as of December 2021, making it the fifth-largest state in terms of population.
The state has a unique colonial history in Australia, as it was a freely settled, planned British province rather than a convict settlement. Colonial government commenced on 28 December 1836, when the council members were sworn in near the Old Gum Tree. The South Australian Company established a temporary settlement at Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, five months before Adelaide was founded.
South Australia is known as the 'Festival State', with over 500 events and festivals taking place each year. The state's capital, Adelaide, is a great base for exploring the Barossa Valley wineries, the Flinders Ranges, and Kangaroo Island.
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Victoria is the smallest mainland state
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Western Australia is the largest state in the country, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles (2,529,875 square kilometres).
Victoria, on the other hand, is the smallest of the mainland states. It is located in southeastern Australia and has a land area of 227,444 square kilometres (87,817 square miles) or 237,629 square kilometres according to another source. Victoria is Australia's most urbanised state, with nearly 90% of residents living in cities and towns. The majority of the population is concentrated in the central-south area surrounding Port Phillip, particularly within the metropolitan area of Greater Melbourne, Victoria's state capital and largest city.
Melbourne is also Australia's second-largest city and is home to a culturally diverse population, with 35.1% of inhabitants being immigrants. Victoria's economy is the second-largest among Australian states and is highly diversified, with service sectors predominating. The state is bordered by New South Wales to the north and South Australia to the west. It is bounded by the Bass Strait to the south, the Southern Ocean to the southwest, and the Tasman Sea to the southeast.
Victoria encompasses a range of climates and geographical features, from its temperate coastal and central regions to the Victorian Alps in the northeast and the semi-arid northwest. The state is home to numerous Aboriginal groups, including the Boonwurrung, the Bratauolung, the Djadjawurrung, the Gunai, the Gunditjmara, the Taungurung, the Wathaurong, the Wurundjeri, and the Yorta Yorta.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia by land area, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles. It accounts for about 33% of the country's total area.
Queensland is the second-largest state in Australia, covering an area of about 665,615 square miles. It accounts for about 22% of the country's total area.
Victoria is the smallest of the mainland Australian states, with an area of 237,629 square km. However, the Australian Capital Territory is the smallest state or territory, with an area of 2,400 square km.
