Tasmania

Tasmania is a state in southeastern Australia.  It is made up of the island of Tasmania, many nearby small islands, and the uninhabited, subarctic volcanic island of Macquarie.  Tasmania is bounded on the north by Bass Strait, which separates it from the Australian mainland.  On its east is the Tasman Sea, and on its south and west is the Indian Ocean. Tasmania has a total area of about 26,180 square miles.  Its population in 1991 was 452,834.

Hobart is the capital and largest city of Tasmania.  The state's highest point is Mount Ossa, which rises 5,305 feet on Tasmania's large, high-lying central plateau.  This plateau also includes many lakes and several rivers.  The coastline is generally ragged, and substantial coastal plains are situated only in the northeast and northwest.  Tasmania has a mild, moist climate.

Tasmania has a diversified economy.  Agricultural commodities produced in the state include dairy products, sheep (mainly for wool), wheat, fruit, and vegetables.  Mining is well developed, and copper, iron, lead, tin, tungsten, and zinc ores are produced in sizable quantities, as are gold, silver, and coal.  Chief manufacturers in the state are forest products, processed foods and minerals, textiles, and cement.  Tourism also is an important source of income.  National parks cover more than 20 percent of Tasmania and are popular tourist attractions.

A governor representing the sovereign of Great Britain is the nominal chief executive of Tasmania.   In practice, however, a premier, assisted by a cabinet, is the head of government. The prime minister is responsible to the House of Assembly, the lower house of the state's parliament.  The upper house is called the Legislative Council.

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