The island of Tasmania, an Australian state, is located 200km south of the eastern side of the continent, being separated from it by Bass Strait.  Tasmania has a population of 484,700 (March 2005, ABS) and an area of 68,332km squared.  Tasmania promotes itself as the Natural State and the "Island of Rejuvenation" owing to its large, and relatively unspoiled natural environment.  Thirty six percent of Tasmania is formally in reserves, National Parks and World Heritage Sites.

The capital and largest city is Hobart, which also encompasses the cities of Glenorchy and Clarence.  Other major population centres include Launceston in the north, and Devonport and Burnie in the northwest.