Tasmania

Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is located 240 kilometres (150 mi) south of the eastern side of the continent, from which it is separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania the 26th largest island in the world and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 500,000 (as of December 2008[update]), of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart precinct. Tasmanias area is 68,401 square kilometres (26,410 sq mi), of which the main island covers 62,409 square kilometres (24,096 sq mi). Tasmania is promoted as the natural state and the "island of inspiration" owing to its large and relatively unspoiled natural environment. Almost 37% of Tasmania lies in reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites. The island is 364 kilometres (226 mi) long from northernmost to southernmost points, and 306 kilometres (190 mi) from west to east. The state capital and largest city is Hobart, which encompasses the local government areas of City of Hobart, City of Glenorchy, and City of Clarence, while the satellite town of Kingston (part of the Municipality of Kingborough) is generally included in the Greater Hobart area. Other major population centres include Launceston in the north and Devonport and Burnie in the northwest. The subantarctic Macquarie Island is also under the administration of the state, as part of the Huon Valley Council local government area. ( source Wikipedia )