Tasmania

Tasmania is an island state of Australia, located south of the mainland across Bass Strait.

Tasmania is an island state of Australia, located south of the mainland across Bass Strait. Its capital and largest city is Hobart, and the state includes the main island of Tasmania plus several smaller islands, including Bruny, King, Flinders and Macquarie islands. It is known for its temperate climate, distinctive wildlife, and large areas of protected wilderness.

Geography

Tasmania lies about 240 km south of Victoria and is separated from mainland Australia by Bass Strait. The state includes the main island of Tasmania and several offshore islands. Its landscape is known for mountains, forests, lakes and rugged coastlines. Tasmania is Australia's smallest state by area, covering 68,401 km².

History

Tasmania was originally inhabited by Aboriginal peoples and was explored by Europeans in 1642. It was later named Van Diemen's Land, became a British colony in 1825, was renamed Tasmania in 1856, and joined the Australian Federation in 1901.

People and economy

Tasmania has a population of just over half a million people, with most residents living in the south-east and north of the state. Major economic activities include tourism, mining, livestock farming and services. As of June 2023, the population was estimated at 573,479.

Environment

The state is notable for extensive conservation areas, including national parks and World Heritage sites. Its fauna and flora include many species found nowhere else in the world, such as the Tasmanian devil.