Australia and Oceania is the smallest part of the world. It consists of the mainland of the same name and about ten thousand small islands scattered throughout the western and central parts of the Pacific Ocean. The total area of the region exceeds the mark of 8.5 million square kilometers. About 34 million inhabitants live on its territory.
General description of Australia
Australia is an island that is simultaneously the smallest continent on the planet. Due to the very dry climate, deserts and dry savannahs prevail here. The coastline, taking into account Tasmania and other coastal islands, is almost 60 thousand kilometers. In the north, the continent is washed by the Arafura and Timor seas, in the south and west by the Indian Ocean, and in the east by the Tasman and Coral seas. Since the mainland began to be actively inhabited only in the twentieth century, its territory was developed only slightly. The population density here is just over two people per square kilometer. Australia is the only continent in the world that is occupied by only one state. It was formed at the beginning of the twentieth century, having separated from Britain, and is now one of the most developed and wealthiest on the planet.
The country is divided into two territories and six states. The first administrative unit is the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territories. The states of Australia are Victoria, Queensland, New South Wells, South and Western Australia, and also Tasmania. The last of them will be discussed in more detail later.
Geographical position
The staff of the state includes not only the island of the same name, but also several more small valleys of land - Macquarie, Flinders and King. Its capital is the second largest city in the state called Hobart. Speaking about where Tasmania is located, it should be noted that the island is located at a distance of 240 kilometers from the mainland (south of it), from which it is separated by the Bass Strait. Its eastern part is washed by the Tasman Sea, and the southern and western by the Indian Ocean. It should be noted that the island is a structural continuation of the Great Australian Dividing Range, and a large number of bays formed on its shores.
Opening
Tasmania was discovered long before Australia was colonized. The island was visited by an expedition back in 1642, led by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman. These were the first Europeans to be here. Then this land was named after the Governor-General of the East Indian Dutch colony - Van Diemen. According to some historical information, it was he who sent this expedition to search for new territories.
Mastering
Like other Australian states, the island began to be mastered by British colonialists in the early nineteenth century. The first English landed here in 1802. The following year, he was proclaimed the second British colony in Australia. Then it was decided to turn this area into an island of convicts. The first famous village on its territory was built in 1830 by the forces of prisoners Port Arthur. Its territory was divided into sectors and carefully guarded, because there lived people who committed serious crimes. A hospital, temple and post office were equipped for them. The prison was closed only in the seventies of the nineteenth century. In 1856, the island of Tasmania received its current name. The relevant decision was made by the British government. In a separate state, it was formed in 1901.
Population
About half a million people live in the state. Most of them are considered Anglo-Australians, in other words, descendants of British immigrants. Only one percent of the local population is indigenous. According to historical data, local Aborigines live here for about 40 thousand years. There are also Indians, Chinese, and some other nationalities on the island. English is considered the state language here. Moreover, it should be noted that it has a peculiar local accent. Local residents, including natives, mainly profess Christianity. The vast majority of them are Catholics, followed by parishioners of the English church, Protestants and Orthodox. Almost 4% of the population professes Buddhism and Islam.
Climate
Australia and Oceania are considered one of the driest regions on the planet. There is very little rainfall on their territory. Despite this, the people of Tasmania have the opportunity to enjoy all seasons. This is due to the fact that most of its territory is characterized by a temperate climate. It was formed under the influence of the ocean and the seas washing the island. Thus, there are no severe cold weather or scorching heat. It should be noted that the state has the most rainfall in Australia. In the western part of Tasmania, their average annual amount is 1000 mm, and in the eastern - 600 mm.
Spring on the island falls between September and November. The weather at this time is mostly cold and windy. The average temperature in the summer season is 23 degrees Celsius. There are periods when the thermometer rises to a mark of 30 degrees. However, this is characteristic only for the area remote from the coastline. Autumn in Tasmania is a relatively calm season, which is characterized by cool nights and fairly warm, sunny days. It should be noted that this time is considered optimal for tourists visiting the state. In winter, the weather is usually frosty and clear. Snow falls quite often. Be that as it may, at this time the air here is considered one of the cleanest on Earth.
Nature
The main feature that distinguishes the nature of Tasmania is considered to be that it was formed several million years ago and has survived in this form to this day. In many respects, scientists attribute this to the peculiarities of the formation of the island. About 250 million years ago, together with Australia, it was part of a vast continent known as Gondwana. Then it occupied about half the surface of the planet, mainly covered by rain forests. As of today, the situation has not changed much. Now the territory of the island is represented by numerous highlands and plateaus. Almost half of its area is covered by impenetrable forests, most of which are still unexplored. It should be noted that on Earth this is one of the last such corners.
On the island to this day, rare representatives of flora and fauna have survived, which have long died out in all other regions of the planet. Among the vegetation in the local jungle, you can see eucalyptus trees, cypress and spinous antrotaxis, southern beeches and other trees. In addition, one cannot but note the presence of rather rare species of lichens and mosses. The local forests have become a habitat for many fauna representatives that are not found anywhere else. The most famous and exotic animals of Tasmania are koalas, dingoes, small penguins, possums, echidna, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, marsupial wolves and others. In addition to them, the island has about 150 species of birds. The most rare among them is the orange-bellied parakeet, which is protected by law in Australia. Local rivers and lakes are teeming with trout.
Economy
The island’s economy is based on mining and agriculture. In particular, the region is rich in minerals such as zinc, tin, iron and copper. In addition, a high level of development here is forestry. Since the state has a temperate climate, as mentioned above, favorable conditions have been created for the development of vineyards and orchards, as well as for the cultivation of many crops. Approximately twenty percent of the available land is attributed to national parks and reserves, so they cannot be engaged in agriculture. Like all of Australia, Tasmania boasts a well-developed tourism sector. Favorable economic conditions in the country contribute to its formation from 2001 to the present day, including cheap plane tickets and new ferries that provide transport services for the island with the mainland. Many locals work in government organizations. Another major employer here is The Federal Group, which owns several hotels and casinos, and is also involved in wood processing.
Capital
The state and island of Tasmania have their own capital. It is the oldest city in Hobart after Sydney in Australia. It was founded in 1804. As of today, its population is just over 210 thousand inhabitants. The city is not only the administrative, but also the financial center of Tasmania, in which centuries-old traditions are harmoniously intertwined with a modern vibrant lifestyle. Hobart is located in the southeastern part of the island at the mouth of the Derwent River. It is from here that Australian and French expeditions depart for Antarctica.
sights
Due to the presence of the so-called hard labor page in the history of the island of Tasmania, attractions of this origin are of great interest to tourists. It is not surprising that every year thousands of travelers visit the former walled city and prison at the same time - Port Arthur Historic Site. Many popular tours are associated with local natural areas and parks. On the territory of the South-Western Reserve you can take an air tour, during which tourists have the opportunity to admire the untouched tropical forests, waterfalls and gorges. The island has its own wine region with its large factories.
One of the main attractions of the capital is the Salamanca Arts Center, which brings together numerous organizations, including art studios, galleries and concert halls. Quite popular in Hobart is the Museum of Monuments of the Ancient World, located surrounded by vineyards at a distance of 12 kilometers from the city limits. Of great cultural importance are local buildings. It should be noted that more than ninety of them are protected by the National Monument Protection Society.
Tourist attraction
The island of Tasmania boasts a well-developed tourist infrastructure. In the most visited cities and regions, you can easily rent a hotel room, and students are offered a good selection of hostels. It should be noted that there are a large number of car rental stations. In local souvenir shops, tourists can purchase any national amulets and souvenirs. In general, on the island you can find entertainment for almost every taste - from ordinary excursions to diving. The main thing to keep in mind is that restaurants and shops are closed here on weekends.
Conclusion
Summing up, it should be noted that the island of Tasmania is a very beautiful place, a significant part of the territory of which is occupied by national parks. All of them are under state protection. There is almost everything that a modern traveler may be interested in - primeval tropical forests, hills, plains, waterfalls and clear sea water.