The oldest and most populous state in Australia is New South Wales. Every third Australian lives on its territory. In this article, we will tell you in detail about the geography, natural features, settlement history and modern economy of this state.
Administrative map of Australia and South Wales
In the modern world, there are nine states, which are divided into states. The Commonwe alth of Australia is one such country. But if there are 50 states in the USA, then there are only six of them in Australia (see the map below): Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales. In addition, two territories are distinguished - the Northern and the Australian Capital (the latter is a geographical enclave).
It is curious that the oldest administrative-territorial unit of the country was originally referred to as "South Wales". So these lands were called by the Englishman James Cook, traveling in 1770 along the east coast of the "Southern Land". Although later he himself corrected this name, adding to the toponymprefix "new".
A Brief History of the State
About 50,000 years ago, the first inhabitants appeared on this territory - Aboriginal tribes. In the second half of the 18th century, Europeans came here with the Cook expedition. South Wales officially became a state in 1778. It was here that the first British colony on the mainland was formed, with Arthur Phillip as governor.
At first, South Wales was an ordinary penal colony. Only at the beginning of the 19th century did the active construction of roads, piers, churches and other housing infrastructure begin here, and research deep into the continent intensified. British architects were invited to design and develop Sydney. During the 19th century, some territories separated from New South Wales, which later became separate colonies.
By the end of the 19th century, the movement to unite all Australian colonies into a single federation gained popularity on the mainland. The main apologists for this idea were Henry Parkes and the future Prime Minister of Australia, Edmund Barton. In 1899, the creation of the federation was supported by referendums that were held in all Australian colonies.
Today, the state of New South Wales has its own parliament, its own police and executive power. The state governor is David Harley.
Geography and relief
The area of the state is 801 thousand sq. km. New South Wales is bordered by Queensland to the north, Victoria to the south and South Australia to the west. In the southeastern part of the state there is an enclave - the Australian Capital Territory(Canberra).
The Great Dividing Range divides the state into two parts: western - steppe and agricultural, and eastern - seaside and densely populated. The mountainous regions of the state are a real tourist Klondike with waterfalls, national parks, rainforests and unique flora. About 70% of the plant species that grow here cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. By the way, it is in this state that the highest point in Australia is located - Mount Kosciuszko (height 2228 meters).
The climate of New South Wales is varied. In the coastal part - hot and humid, in the west - very dry. The territory of the state lies in four climatic zones at once: desert, semi-desert, temperate and subtropical.
Population
The population of New South Wales is about 7 million people. Moreover, five million of them live in the state capital - the city of Sydney. The annual population growth is 1.6%. It is by far the most populous state in Australia.
The inhabitants of this region belong to a wide variety of religious denominations. So, 28% consider themselves Catholics, 22% - Anglicans, another 14% - atheists. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, which is slightly higher than the national average. The working-age population of the state is predominantly employed in the service sector, trade, tourism and agriculture.
Economy
For quite a long time, the Sydney coal basin, the largest in Australia, served as the basis for the region's economy. Yes, even today stonecoal remains an important export for the state, bringing in up to $5 billion annually.
Traditional industries in New South Wales are shipbuilding and metallurgy. But since the early 1970s, their share in the state's economy began to gradually decline. Instead, new industries arose and began to actively develop - first of all, the tourism industry, information technology and financial services. Quite predictably, the city of Sydney became their center.
The state's agriculture provides about 99% of Australia's rice production and over 50% of vegetable oil. In addition, in New South Wales, legumes, wheat, oats, nuts, fruits and vegetables are grown in large quantities, sheep, pigs and oysters are raised. The state also provides half of Australia's timber.
Winemaking has been developing in this region for more than two centuries. About 40 thousand hectares of land are occupied by vineyards. Australia's finest wines come from the Hunter Valley.
State Capital
Sydney boasts several records at once. This is the oldest, largest and, perhaps, the most interesting of the cities of the Southern Continent. In addition, it is one of the ten most romantic places on the planet (according to Travel and Leisure).
The city of Sydney dates back to 1788. Today it is famous for its beaches, as well as its extremely indented coastline, consisting of many small bays, coves and islands. Another amazing feature: residentialSydney's districts are surrounded on all sides by beautiful national parks.
Tourists come to the capital of South Wales with great pleasure to stare at the true work of architectural art - the Opera House, see the magnificent interiors of the ancient Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, and also visit the world-famous Sydney Aquarium.
