Question

Difficulty: MediumWestern Australia

Western Australia has a distinct history and a population distribution that differs from many other states. According to the Australian Citizenship study guide, which of the following statements about Western Australia is correct?

  1. The state was established as a free settlement and approximately three-quarters of its population lives in the capital city, Perth.Answer
  2. B
    The state was originally founded as a penal colony for convicts and its population is now evenly distributed across the northern regions.
  3. C
    The state is officially classified as a territory rather than a state and most of its residents live in the fertile farming areas of the north-west.

Answer

The correct statement is that Western Australia was established as a free settlement and approximately three-quarters of its population lives in the capital city, Perth.
The correct answer accurately identifies that Western Australia was founded as a free settlement and that the vast majority of its population (approximately three-quarters) is concentrated in its capital city, Perth.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the origin of the Western Australian colony.
The colony was established as a free settlement (not for convicts) in 18291829.
This distinguishes its early history from colonies like New South Wales.
2
Identify the capital city and the proportion of the population living there.
The capital is Perth, and about three-quarters of the state's population resides there.
This highlights the specific demographic concentration mentioned in the official study guide.

Key Concept

History and Population Distribution of Western Australia

Hints

1
Consider whether Western Australia was started for convicts or for free settlers.
2
Think about where the majority of Western Australians live—is it in the rural north or the capital city?
3
Remember that Perth is the capital and that about three-quarters of the population lives there.

Practice More

Review the specific economic activities of the north and north-west regions compared to the south-west of the state.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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