New South Wales

New South Wales (NSW) is a state in the southeastern part of Australia. It is bordered by Queensland to the north, Victoria to the south, and South Australia to the west. Its coast borders the Coral Sea and the Tasman Sea. New South Wales' capital city is Sydney, which is also the state's most populous city.

History

New South Wales was first inhabited by the Aboriginal people for over 50,000 years. The first European discovery of New South Wales was made by Captain James Cook during his 1770 survey along the eastern coast of the Dutch-named continent of New Holland, now Australia.

Geography

New South Wales is divided into four physical divisions. These are the Eastern Highlands, the Central Basins and Lowlands, the Western Plains, and the Australian Alps. The Eastern Highlands, or the Great Dividing Range, are a narrow strip of coastal land that stretches from the northeastern tip of the state to the southern border.

Economy

The economy of New South Wales represents a significant portion of the Australian economy. The economy was heavily dependent on sheep farming for most of the 19th and early 20th century. The state has a majority of its population in the cities and along the coast, contributing to strong service sector and tourism.

Government and politics

New South Wales has a parliamentary system of government, similar to that of the Australian federal government and other Australian states. The Governor of New South Wales is the representative of the monarch.

Culture

New South Wales is the birthplace of the Australian arts scene. It has a number of galleries and is the home of the film industry. The state's cultural institutions include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Theatre Company, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

See also

• List of cities in New South Wales
• List of rivers of New South Wales
• List of New South Wales state symbols

New South Wales Resources
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