Tasmania is the smallest Australian state and is an island.  Its area is 26,410 square miles, out of which the main island itself encompasses 24,096 square miles. Situated 150 miles off the southeastern corner of the continent, Tasmania contains several small islands. It includes the island of Tasmania, which is the 26th largest island in the world.

Demographically as per 2009 census, the state has a population of 502,600, with nearly half of the populace inhabiting the greater Hobart zone. Majority of the residents here are of British descent. Hobart in-fact is Tasmania’s capital and largest city, covering the locally governed areas of City of Hobart, City of Glenorchy and City of Clarence.

Economy: Tasmania’s major economic activities traditionally have been mining, fishing segment, livestock rearing, agriculture; forestry; and tourism.
Mining: By the turn of the 21st century, the overall mineral-production industry in Tasmania became stronger, asserting its significance to the Tasmanian economy. Major deposits being mined in the state include iron, tin, lead, copper, zinc; silver at Williamsford and Rosebery; gold at Beaconsfield, Henty, and Mount Lyell. Other mining products in the state include silica flour, kaolin and limestone.

Livestock rearing: Beef production, dairy farming and the rearing of sheep (for wool and meat) form the largest chunk of the state’s agricultural activity. Wheat and barley are the major grains harvested and used primarily for stock feed.

Fishing: Tasmania has a large number of food exporting sectors particularly in the fisheries segment. Most of the catch from the sea is shipped to the mainland and to the overseas market. The seafood being exported includes the Atlantic salmon, abalone, rock lobster, crayfish etc.

Agriculture & forestry: Both the sectors along-with fishing sector contributes but in a smaller measure to the overall state economy and employs a relatively smaller proportion of the workforce. However, these sectors are a significant producer of export commodities. In-fact forestry and processing associated with it, have long figured notably in Tasmania’s economy.

Tourism: Favorable economic conditions prevailing after 2001 throughout Australia, cheaper air fares and two new ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ ferries, have all contributed immensely to a robust tourism industry in the state. By and large the state is promoted as the “natural state” and the “island of inspiration,” in view of its large and relatively untouched natural flora and fauna. Nearly 37% of Tasmania lies in reserves, national parks and heritage sites. A bunch of natural areas, collectively referred to as the ‘Tasman Wilderness,’ were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982 (extended in 1989).