An Introduction to My Island State

The Island State of Tasmania is situated some 200 kilometers sount of Mainland Australia. It is the smallest state in Australia (68,000 sq. km's) and is approximately 200 km's from north to south, east to west at it's broadest points, and measures 315 km's (189 miles) across and 286 km's (175 miles) long. It is about the same size as The Republic of Ireland, a little smaller than West Virginia (USA), and one and a half times the size of Switzerland.

It was the second settlement in Australia (after Sydney), and the first (white/european) settlers arrived in 1803 in Hobart, it was primarily settled as a penal colony to house prisoners from the United kingdom. While our (European) heritage dates back to the 1800's, Aborigional settlement dates back some 40,000 years.

The Population in Tasmania is (approx at 2004) 482,000. Hobart = 195,500, Launceston = 130,000, Burnie = 28,000, Devonport = 48,000. (all stats are approximate)

There are more than 2,000 walking tracks around the island, 18 national parks, and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area covers 1.38 million hectares. With all Tasmania has to offer, the Tasmanian government has made a concious effort to promote a truly pristine "clean, green" state in Australia. And in doing so has managed to boost our tourism industry by well over 60% since the early 1990's.

Tasmania has been quoted as an Island with some of the worlds best beaches, quaint towns, and magnigicent world heritage areas.

For more information click the link to Discover Tasmania.

Here are our State Emblems:

Our Coat Of Arms

Our Floral Emblem (the Bluegum)

Our Tasmanian Flag

The above images are from HERE, visit this page if you would like more information.

I just wanted to add this globe a friend made for me, I do make globes but this one is special so I am using this and it belongs to ME, don't pinch it or you will be in trouble!! It is unique so I will know it has been copied and you violate personal and internet graphics copyright by doing so.

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This page and all it's contents (unless otherwise stated) belongs to me, ©Maureen Furley, and can not be used in any way or reproduced unless you ask my permission. Email me HERE if you want to.