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Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is 240
kilometres (150 mi) south of the continent, 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.
Tasmania’s 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, the "island
of inspiration",[8] and A World Apart, Not A World Away 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.
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