Queensland

Queensland is a state of Australia located in the northeastern part of the country. It stretches from tropical far north to the arid interior and includes extensive coastlines along the Coral Sea. The capital and largest city is Brisbane. Other major urban centers include Cairns, Townsville, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. The state is bordered by the Northern Territory to the west, South Australia to the southwest, New South Wales to the south, and the sea to the east, with numerous islands and the Torres Strait off the coast.

Geography and climate are diverse. The Great Dividing Range runs along the eastern edge, and the north has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons, while the south has a subtropical climate and the far west is arid. The Great Barrier Reef lies off the coast, and the Wet Tropics of Queensland in the far north is a World Heritage area.

History and government. Indigenous peoples have lived in the region for thousands of years. Queensland was established as a separate colony from New South Wales in 1859 and was named after Queen Victoria. It joined the Australian Federation in 1901. The state operates under a Westminster system with a unicameral Parliament (the Legislative Assembly) and a Governor representing the Crown; the Premier is the head of government.

Economy and society. Queensland has a diversified economy driven by mining (coal and other minerals), agriculture (notably sugar cane and beef), tourism, and services. The population is around five million, with a multicultural society and a strong Indigenous heritage. Notable environments include the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics, and Fraser Island (K’Gari).