Queensland
Geography
Queensland, located in the northeastern part of Australia, is the country's second-largest state by land area. It is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean to the east, New South Wales to the south, South Australia to the southwest, and the Northern Territory to the west. The state's diverse geography ranges from the coastal lowlands and islands of the east, to the mountain ranges and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range, and the arid plains of the west and northwest.
Climate
Queensland's climate varies from tropical in the far north, to temperate in the southeast. The state experiences two main seasons: a 'wet' season from November to April, characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall; and a 'dry' season from May to October, with lower temperatures and less rainfall. The state's climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the ocean, its latitude, and the Great Dividing Range, which affects rainfall distribution.
History
The history of Queensland dates back more than 40,000 years, with the arrival of the first Aboriginal Australians. European exploration began in the 1600s, with the state being officially named and established as a separate colony from New South Wales in 1859. Queensland's history is marked by its development as a penal colony, its role in the Australian gold rush, and its growth as a major agricultural producer.
Economy
Queensland's economy is one of the strongest within Australia, with significant contributions from various sectors including mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The state is rich in mineral resources, including coal, gold, and bauxite. Agriculture plays a vital role, with Queensland being a major producer of beef, sugar cane, and tropical fruits. Tourism is also a major industry, with attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Gold Coast, and numerous national parks drawing millions of visitors each year.
Demographics
As of the latest census, Queensland has a population of over 5 million people, making it the third-most populous state in Australia. The state is culturally diverse, with a significant proportion of the population born overseas. English is the most commonly spoken language, followed by Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Italian. The state also has a significant Indigenous population, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people making up around 4% of the total population.
Culture
Queensland's culture is a blend of traditional Indigenous cultures, colonial heritage, and contemporary Australian influences. The state is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and music festivals. Queensland's cuisine is influenced by its diverse population and abundant local produce, with seafood and tropical fruits featuring prominently. The state is also home to several major sporting teams, with a strong following for rugby league, cricket, and Australian rules football.
See Also
References
- ↑ Queensland Government. (2021). About Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.qld.gov.au/about
- ↑ Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/Queensland
- ↑ Queensland Tourism. (2021). Discover Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.queensland.com/au/en/discover-queensland.html