Examkin

States and Territories

69 questions

Question 1Question →

The Northern Territory is known for its tropical environment in the north and its vast desert landscapes in the south. Which city is the capital of the Northern Territory?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Darwin

Answer

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory.
The correct answer is Darwin. In the Australian system of government, Darwin serves as the capital city and main administrative hub for the Northern Territory.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific Australian territory mentioned in the question.
The question asks about the Northern Territory.
This establishes the geographic and administrative focus for the answer.
2
Recall the capital city for the Northern Territory from the list of Australian capitals.
The capital of the Northern Territory is Darwin.
Each Australian state and territory has one designated capital city.
3
Select the option that matches the recalled city.
Darwin is selected.
It is the correct administrative center for the territory.

Key Concept

Identifying capitals of Australian states and territories.

Hints

1
Think of the largest city located on the very northern coast of Australia.
2
The capital is named after a famous scientist, Charles Darwin, who visited the region.

Practice More

Try to name the capital cities of the six Australian states to ensure you can distinguish them from territory capitals.
Estimated Time:30s
Question 2Question →

South Australia is recognized for its rugged coastline, famous wine regions, and its unique colonial history. Which of the following statements accurately describes a defining characteristic of this state?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It was established as a colony for free settlers and is the only state to share a land border with all other mainland states and the Northern Territory.

Answer

South Australia was established as a colony for free settlers and is the only state that shares a border with all other mainland states and the Northern Territory.
The correct answer is that South Australia was established as a free settlement and is the only state to share a border with all other mainland states and the Northern Territory. This identifies its unique non-penal history and its central geographical position on the Australian mainland.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the colonial origin of South Australia.
South Australia was established as a free settlement, meaning it was not founded as a place for convicts.
This is a primary historical distinction for South Australia mentioned in citizenship materials.
2
Analyze the geographical borders of the state.
South Australia shares land borders with Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Geographically, South Australia is the only mainland state that touches every other mainland jurisdiction.
3
Evaluate the options based on these findings.
The option combining the free settlement history with the unique border status is the correct choice.
This confirms the specific characteristics that define South Australia in the context of the citizenship test.

Key Concept

The unique historical and geographical characteristics of South Australia.

Hints

1
Think about whether South Australia was started as a place for convicts or for people who chose to move there freely.
2
Look at a map of Australia and count how many other states and territories touch South Australia's borders.
3
South Australia is famous for being a 'free settlement' and it is the only state that borders all other mainland states plus the Northern Territory.

Practice More

Review the capital cities of all states and territories to ensure you can distinguish between state capitals like Adelaide and the national capital, Canberra.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 3Question →

Unlike some of the early colonies on the east coast that were founded for convicts, Western Australia was established in 1829 specifically as a settlement for free settlers. Which of the following cities serves as the capital of this state?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Perth

Answer

The capital city of Western Australia is Perth.
Perth is the correct answer because it is the capital city of Western Australia. It was founded in 1829, which aligns with the historical details provided in the stem regarding the state's establishment as a free settlement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the state described in the historical context.
The state is Western Australia, noted for its origins as a free settlement in 1829.
The question specifies the 1829 founding date and the status of being a colony for free settlers.
2
Recall the capital cities for each Australian state and territory.
Perth (Western Australia), Adelaide (South Australia), Darwin (Northern Territory).
Distinguishing between state capitals is essential for correct identification.
3
Select the city that matches Western Australia.
Perth is the correct capital.
Perth was established as the administrative center of the Swan River Colony in 1829.

Key Concept

State Capitals and Founding History of Western Australia

Hints

1
Think about the state that covers the largest portion of the Australian continent's western side.
2
The capital city you are looking for was founded on the banks of the Swan River.
3
The name of this capital city starts with the letter 'P'.

Practice More

Review the distinct origins of each Australian state to understand which were penal colonies and which were free settlements.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 4Question →

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, Australia's smallest state. When considering the history of Australian capital cities, which of the following statements is correct regarding the age of Hobart?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It is the second oldest capital city in Australia

Answer

Hobart is the second oldest capital city in Australia.
The correct answer is that Hobart is the second oldest capital city because it was established in 1804, shortly after the first settlement at Sydney Cove in 1788.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the establishment of the first Australian colony and its capital.
Sydney was established in 1788 as the first capital city.
This sets the baseline for the 'oldest' city in Australia.
2
Identify the year Hobart was established as a capital.
Hobart was established in 1804.
Knowing the specific date allows for historical ranking.
3
Compare the establishment dates of all Australian capital cities.
Hobart (1804) follows Sydney (1788) and precedes cities like Brisbane (1824) and Perth (1829).
This confirms Hobart's rank as second oldest.

Key Concept

History and geography of Tasmania

Hints

1
Think about which city was founded first during the arrival of the First Fleet.
2
Sydney was established in 1788. Hobart was the next major capital city to be founded.
3
Hobart was founded in 1804, which is earlier than Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth.

Practice More

Review the geographic features of Tasmania, such as the Bass Strait and its protected wilderness areas.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 5Question →

South Australia is a state characterized by its rugged coastline, famous wine regions, and fine colonial architecture. Which of the following cities is the capital of South Australia?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Adelaide

Answer

Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia.
Adelaide is the correct answer because it is the capital city of South Australia. The state is indeed recognized for its rugged coastline, prominent wine regions (such as the Barossa Valley), and the colonial architecture found within Adelaide itself.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the state mentioned in the question.
The state is South Australia.
The question specifically asks for the capital of South Australia.
2
Recall the capital cities for the Australian states and territories.
South Australia's capital is Adelaide.
Recalling the correct geographical facts from the study material 'Our Common Bond'.
3
Verify that the identified capital matches the characteristics described (rugged coastline, wine regions, colonial architecture).
Adelaide matches these descriptions.
Confirming the choice aligns with all parts of the question stem.

Key Concept

Identifying the capital city and features of South Australia.

Hints

1
Think about which major city is located on the central southern coast of the Australian mainland.
2
This city is often associated with the Barossa Valley wine region and has a grid-like layout with many colonial buildings.
3
The name of this city starts with the letter 'A'.

Practice More

Try identifying the capital cities for all other Australian states to ensure you don't confuse them.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 6Question →

Queensland is one of Australia's six states, located in the north-east of the continent and known for its tropical climate. Which of the following correctly identifies its capital city and its size relative to the other Australian states?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Brisbane is the capital, and it is the second largest state

Answer

The correct answer identifies Brisbane as the capital of Queensland and notes that Queensland is the second largest state in Australia.
The correct answer is right because it accurately pairs the capital city of Brisbane with the fact that Queensland is Australia's second largest state.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical and administrative facts about Queensland.
Queensland is located in the north-east and is the second largest state by land area.
Establishing the size ranking helps eliminate options related to Western Australia (the largest) or other states.
2
Identify the capital city of Queensland.
The capital city of Queensland is Brisbane.
Recalling the correct capital city distinguishes Queensland from New South Wales (Sydney) and Western Australia (Perth).
3
Combine the size ranking and the capital city to select the correct statement.
The statement 'Brisbane is the capital, and it is the second largest state' is correct.
This option accurately reflects all the gathered facts.

Key Concept

Geography and identity of the Australian state of Queensland

Hints

1
Think about which state is the largest in Australia first. Queensland comes right after it in size.
2
The capital city is located in the south-east corner of the state and is one of Australia's major coastal cities.
3
Remember that Sydney is in New South Wales and Perth is in Western Australia. The capital you are looking for starts with the letter B.

Practice More

Review the capital cities and nicknames of all six Australian states to ensure you can distinguish between them quickly.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 7Question →

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was specifically established to house the nation's capital, Canberra. Aside from being the seat of government, what is a distinguishing geographical feature of this territory?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It is the smallest territory in Australia and is completely surrounded by the state of New South Wales.

Answer

The Australian Capital Territory is the smallest territory in Australia and is located entirely within the state of New South Wales.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is the smallest territory in Australia. Geographically, it is located between Sydney and Melbourne and is entirely surrounded by the state of New South Wales, making it an inland territory.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the territory mentioned in the question.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The question specifically asks about the geographical features of the ACT.
2
Recall the size and location of the ACT relative to other states and territories.
The ACT is the smallest territory and is located as an enclave within New South Wales.
According to the citizenship handbook, the ACT is the home of Canberra and is surrounded by New South Wales.
3
Evaluate the options based on these facts.
The description of it being the smallest territory surrounded by New South Wales is the only correct statement.
Other options incorrectly describe it as large, tropical, or coastal.

Key Concept

Geography and Status of the Australian Capital Territory

Hints

1
Think about where Canberra is located on a map of Australia.
2
The ACT is an 'enclave,' meaning it is entirely contained within the borders of another state.
3
Compare the size of the ACT to the Northern Territory; which one is the smallest?

Practice More

Review the names of the capital cities for all other Australian states to ensure you don't confuse them with the national capital.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 8Question →

Australia has six states and two mainland territories. Which of these is a mainland territory located in the north of the country?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Northern Territory

Answer

The Northern Territory is a mainland territory located in the north of Australia.
The Northern Territory is correctly identified because it is one of Australia's two mainland territories and its geographical position is in the north of the continent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Differentiate between Australian states and territories.
Australia consists of six states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania) and two mainland territories (Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory).
The question specifically asks for a territory, not a state.
2
Identify the territory located in the northern region of the continent.
The Northern Territory is situated in the north, while the Australian Capital Territory is located within New South Wales in the south-east.
Geographical location is the secondary requirement of the question.

Key Concept

Classification and location of Australian Territories

Hints

1
Recall that Australia has only two mainland territories.
2
Look for the region that has its geographical position in its name.

Practice More

Review the names of the six states and their respective capital cities.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 9Question →

Queensland is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests. When identifying its geographical boundaries and territorial composition, which of the following is correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It shares land borders with New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, and includes the Torres Strait Islands to its north.

Answer

The correct answer states that Queensland shares land borders with New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, and includes the Torres Strait Islands to its north.
The correct answer accurately identifies the three jurisdictions that share a land border with Queensland (New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory) and correctly notes that the Torres Strait Islands are part of Queensland's territory.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical borders of Queensland.
Queensland borders New South Wales to the south, South Australia to the south-west, and the Northern Territory to the west.
Correct identification of neighboring states is a fundamental requirement for understanding state geography.
2
Verify the status of the Torres Strait Islands.
The Torres Strait Islands are located to the north of the mainland and are part of the state of Queensland.
Distinguishing between state-controlled islands and separate territories is key to understanding territorial composition.
3
Evaluate the size and capital location of the state.
Queensland is the second largest state (after Western Australia) and its capital, Brisbane, is in the south-east.
Correcting misconceptions about size and capital location helps eliminate common errors.

Key Concept

Geography and Territorial Composition of Queensland

Hints

1
Think about which states sit directly south and west of Queensland on a map of Australia.
2
Recall if the Torres Strait Islands are governed as their own territory or if they belong to a specific state.
3
Queensland is the second largest state and has three land borders, including one with a territory.

Practice More

Review the map of Australia to memorize the specific points where the borders of Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory meet.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 10Question →

While Canberra is the national capital city of Australia, the nation's largest and oldest city, Sydney, serves as the capital of which state?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: New South Wales

Answer

New South Wales is the state that has Sydney as its capital city.
The correct answer is New South Wales because Sydney is the capital city of this state. New South Wales was the site of the first British colony and remains the most populous state in Australia.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish between the national capital and state capitals.
Canberra is the capital of Australia, but Sydney is the capital of a specific state.
The Australian Citizenship Test requires candidates to know the difference between federal and state governance.
2
Recall the capital city for each major state mentioned.
The capital of Victoria is Melbourne, the capital of Queensland is Brisbane, and the capital of New South Wales is Sydney.
Matching the correct city to its state is a fundamental geographic requirement.

Key Concept

Identifying the capital city of New South Wales and distinguishing it from other states.

Hints

1
Think about which state was the site of the very first British colony in Australia.
2
The state you are looking for is located on the east coast and is the most populous state in the nation.

Practice More

Try to memorize the capital cities of all six states and two territories to ensure you don't confuse them.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 11Question →

In the decades following the Federation of the Australian colonies into a single nation, the state of Victoria held a unique administrative position that bridged its colonial past with the new Commonwealth. Which of the following accurately describes the constitutional and historical arrangement for the national seat of government involving Victoria during this period?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Melbourne served as the temporary seat of the Commonwealth Parliament for twenty-six years, hosting the national government from Federation in 1901 until the move to Canberra in 1927.

Answer

Melbourne served as the temporary seat of the Commonwealth Parliament from 1901 until 1927, while the national capital in Canberra was being established.
The correct answer accurately identifies both the duration (26 years) and the nature (temporary seat of parliament) of Melbourne's role as the national capital from the birth of the nation in 1901 until 1927.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical event of 1901
Federation of the Australian colonies occurred in 1901.
Establishing the timeline is necessary to understand the transition from colonies to a nation.
2
Recall the location of the early federal government
Melbourne was chosen as the initial location for the Commonwealth Parliament.
This identifies the specific role Victoria's capital played in the early Commonwealth.
3
Determine the duration and nature of this role
The role was temporary and lasted until 1927.
This distinguishes between the permanent capital (Canberra) and the temporary seat of government (Melbourne).
4
Synthesize the timeline with the relocation reason
The government moved to Canberra in 1927 once the new capital was ready.
This confirms the complete historical context required by the question.

Key Concept

Melbourne's role as the temporary national capital (1901-1927)
Question 12Question →

Which Australian state is the smallest of the mainland states and experienced a massive population increase during the gold discovery of the 1850s?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Victoria

Answer

The correct state is Victoria, which is the smallest mainland state and was transformed by the gold rush in the mid-19th century.
The correct answer is Victoria because it is defined as the smallest of the mainland states in Australia. Its history is deeply connected to the gold discovery of the 1850s, which led to a massive influx of people and funded the development of its capital, Melbourne.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the smallest mainland state.
The state is Victoria.
According to the official Australian geography facts, Victoria occupies the smallest land area among all mainland states.
2
Verify the historical context of the gold discovery.
The 1850s gold rush primarily impacted Victoria.
The discovery of gold in the 1850s led to a major population boom and the construction of many grand buildings in its capital city, Melbourne.
3
Combine the geographic and historical facts to select the state.
Victoria matches both criteria.
It is both the smallest mainland state and the one most associated with the mid-19th-century gold wealth.

Key Concept

Identification of Victoria's geographic size and historical significance.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 13Question →

Western Australia is the largest state in the country, covering about one-third of the Australian continent. Which of the following statements about Western Australia is correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The state's economy is largely driven by its significant mining and agricultural sectors.

Answer

The correct answer is that the state's economy is largely driven by its significant mining and agricultural sectors.
The correct answer is accurate because Western Australia's prosperity is built on its vast natural resources, specifically mining projects for iron ore and gold, as well as large-scale agriculture.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary geographic and economic characteristics of Western Australia.
Western Australia is the largest state, has a capital city named Perth, and relies heavily on natural resources.
Understanding the core facts of the state is necessary to evaluate the options.
2
Evaluate the options based on known facts about the state's capital and population.
Perth is the capital (ruling out Adelaide) and most people live in the southwest (ruling out even distribution).
Eliminating incorrect facts about geography and administration narrows down the choices.
3
Confirm the economic significance of the remaining option.
Mining (iron ore, gold) and agriculture (wheat, wool) are indeed the backbone of the Western Australian economy.
Mastery of the subtopic requires recognizing the specific industries that define the state's contribution to Australia.

Key Concept

The geography, capital, and economic structure of Western Australia.

Hints

1
Think about what Western Australia is famous for exporting to the rest of the world.
2
Remember that while the state is huge, most of it is desert, which affects where people can live.

Practice More

Review the capital cities for all six Australian states to avoid mixing them up in future questions.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 14Question →

As Australia’s only island state, Tasmania is separated from the mainland by a specific body of water. Which of the following correctly describes Tasmania's location and environment?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait and features a landscape of rugged mountains and wilderness.

Answer

The correct description is that Tasmania is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait and features a landscape of rugged mountains and wilderness.
Tasmania is the only state in Australia that is an island. It is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. Geographically, it is known for its rugged landscape, which includes mountains, valleys, and vast areas of wilderness, much of which is protected in national parks.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical status of Tasmania.
Tasmania is Australia's only island state.
Knowing its unique status as an island helps differentiate it from the mainland states.
2
Recall the body of water that separates Tasmania from the mainland.
The Bass Strait separates Tasmania from the state of Victoria.
This is a key fact required for the Australian Citizenship Test regarding state geography.
3
Identify the primary environmental characteristics of the state.
Tasmania is famous for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and large areas of protected wilderness.
Landscape features are part of the specific descriptions provided in the official 'Our Common Bond' resource.

Key Concept

Tasmania's geography and identity as an island state.

Hints

1
Think about whether Tasmania is attached to the mainland or separated by water.
2
The body of water separating Tasmania from Victoria starts with the letter 'B'.
3
Tasmania is Australia's island state and is famous for its national parks and Hobart as its capital.

Practice More

Review the names and locations of all six states and their respective capitals to avoid confusion during the test.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 15Question →

South Australia is a state known for its rugged coastline, world-class wine regions, and its capital city, Adelaide. Which of the following statements correctly describes the unique geographical and historical characteristics of this state?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It is the driest state on the Australian mainland and was established by free settlers rather than as a convict colony.

Answer

South Australia is the driest state on the Australian mainland and was established by free settlers rather than as a convict colony.
The correct statement accurately reflects the two most distinctive facts about South Australia according to the citizenship curriculum: its status as the driest state on the mainland and its unique history of being established by free settlers rather than convicts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical status of South Australia.
South Australia is recognized as the driest state on the Australian mainland.
This is a key geographic fact used to distinguish the state in the citizenship test.
2
Recall the historical founding of the colony.
South Australia was established by free settlers.
Unlike several other states that began as penal colonies for convicts, South Australia's origins were based on free settlement.
3
Verify the capital city and regional climate.
Adelaide is the capital, and the state has a predominantly dry climate.
This helps eliminate distractors that confuse the state with tropical regions or other capital cities like Sydney.

Key Concept

Distinctive geographical and historical identity of South Australia

Hints

1
Consider which state is famous for its 'free settler' origins compared to those that started as convict colonies.
2
Think about the climate: one state is specifically noted for being the 'driest' on the mainland.

Practice More

Review the specific colonial architecture of Adelaide to understand how its free-settler history influenced its design.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 16Question →

The constitutional and geographical arrangement of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was a pivotal compromise during the creation of the Commonwealth. Which of the following best captures the specific location of the ACT and the political reasoning behind its establishment?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It is an inland territory surrounded by the state of New South Wales, established to provide a neutral location for the national capital between Sydney and Melbourne.

Answer

The Australian Capital Territory is an inland territory surrounded by New South Wales, established as a neutral site for the capital between Sydney and Melbourne.
The correct statement identifies that the Australian Capital Territory is an inland territory (not a state) that is completely surrounded by the state of New South Wales. It further explains the historical context: the site was chosen as a compromise to house the national capital, Canberra, because the two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, both wanted the honor of being the capital city.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the administrative status of the Australian Capital Territory.
The ACT is a territory, not one of the six original states.
The Constitution distinguishes between states and territories, with the ACT being created specifically for the federal government.
2
Identify the geographical location of the ACT in relation to the states.
It is an enclave situated entirely within the borders of New South Wales.
Official geography confirms it is surrounded by NSW, positioned between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
3
Analyze the historical reason for choosing this specific location.
It was a compromise to settle the dispute between Sydney and Melbourne over which city should be the national capital.
Providing a neutral site ensured neither major city gained dominance over the new federal parliament.

Key Concept

The geographical and political nature of the Australian Capital Territory as a federal compromise.

Hints

1
Consider whether the Australian Capital Territory is a state or a territory.
2
Recall which state completely surrounds the area where Canberra is located.
3
Think about the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne and how the ACT's location solved that political problem.

Practice More

Review the constitutional differences between the powers of Australian States and Territories.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 17Question →

Victoria is bordered by New South Wales and South Australia, and it possesses a unique historical significance regarding the early governance of the Commonwealth of Australia. Which of the following accurately describes Victoria’s geographic status and its historical administrative role?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It is the smallest mainland state and its capital, Melbourne, served as the capital of Australia from 1901 to 1927.

Answer

The correct answer accurately identifies Victoria as the smallest mainland state and notes that Melbourne served as the national capital of Australia from 1901 to 1927.
The correct answer is right because it correctly identifies two key facts about Victoria: it is the smallest mainland state in terms of land area, and its capital city, Melbourne, acted as the national capital of Australia from the time of Federation in 1901 until 1927.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographic classification of Victoria among the mainland states.
Victoria is classified as the smallest of the mainland states.
This is a fundamental geographic fact required for the citizenship test.
2
Determine the historical role of Melbourne in the context of the Australian Commonwealth.
Melbourne was the seat of the national government for 26 years.
Following Federation in 1901, Melbourne served as the temporary capital while Canberra was under development.
3
Combine the geographic and historical facts to select the correct description.
The option stating it is the smallest mainland state and served as the capital from 1901 to 1927 is correct.
This synthesizes both requirements of the question.

Key Concept

Victoria's Geographic Size and Historical Role as National Capital

Hints

1
Think about which mainland state has the smallest land area.
2
Remember that before Canberra was completed, another major city had to serve as the seat of the Australian government.
3
Melbourne was the capital of Australia for exactly 26 years, starting from the year the Commonwealth was formed in 1901.

Practice More

Review the transition of the national capital from Melbourne to Canberra in 1927 to understand the early history of the Australian Capital Territory.
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 18Question →

South Australia’s development was unique among the colonies due to its specific founding principles and its environmental conditions. What statement accurately summarizes these defining characteristics of the state?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It was established as a province for free settlers and is recognized as the driest state in Australia.

Answer

The correct statement is that South Australia was established as a free settlement and is the driest state in Australia.
The correct answer accurately reflects that South Australia was founded as a free settlement (unlike the penal colonies of the east) and is officially the driest state in the country, both of which are core facts in the citizenship curriculum.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical origin of South Australia.
It was founded as a province for free settlers, not a penal colony.
This was a key distinction in its colonial planning compared to New South Wales or Tasmania.
2
Identify the primary climatic characteristic of the state.
It is officially recognized as the driest state in Australia.
Large portions of the state consist of arid and semi-arid landscapes.
3
Select the option that correctly combines these two verified facts.
The option stating it was a free settlement and is the driest state is correct.
It successfully synthesizes the state's unique historical and geographic data points.

Key Concept

South Australia's history as a free settlement and its status as the driest state.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 19Question →

South Australia is unique among Australian states because it shares a land border with every other mainland state, as well as with the Northern Territory. Which of the following cities serves as the capital of South Australia?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Adelaide

Answer

Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia.
The correct answer is Adelaide because it is the capital city of South Australia. The state is centrally located in the southern part of the mainland and is the only one to share borders with all other mainland states and the Northern Territory.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the state from the geographic description
The state that shares borders with all mainland states and the Northern Territory is South Australia.
South Australia's central southern location makes it the only state with this unique geographic characteristic.
2
Recall the capital city of South Australia
The capital city of South Australia is Adelaide.
Adelaide was founded and planned specifically as the capital of the South Australian colony.

Key Concept

State Capitals and Geographic Location of South Australia

Hints

1
Focus on the state that shares a border with all other mainland states mentioned in the question.
2
The state described is South Australia. Think of the major city in that state known for its parklands and colonial history.

Practice More

Review the capital cities of all Australian states and territories to ensure you can distinguish between them based on geographic descriptions.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 20Question →

South Australia's development was distinct from many other Australian colonies due to its unique foundation and its central geographic location. Which of the following statements accurately describes the historical origins and geographic connectivity of South Australia?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It was founded as a free settlement for British migrants rather than a penal colony and is the only state to share a land border with all other mainland states and the Northern Territory.

Answer

South Australia was founded as a free settlement rather than a penal colony and shares a land border with all other mainland states and the Northern Territory.
The correct answer accurately reflects that South Australia was never a penal colony, having been established through free settlement, and it is the only state whose central location allows it to border all other mainland states as well as the Northern Territory.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the historical foundation of South Australia.
South Australia was established as a free settlement, meaning it did not receive convicts from Great Britain, unlike many other colonies.
This is a key historical differentiator for the state.
2
Examine the geographic boundaries of South Australia on a map of Australia.
South Australia is centrally located and touches Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Understanding the 'central' nature of the state explains its connectivity to all other mainland administrative regions.
3
Evaluate the options based on these two criteria.
The option stating it was a free settlement and borders all mainland states and the NT is the only accurate description.
This synthesizes both the historical and geographic facts requested by the stem.

Key Concept

South Australia's unique historical origin as a free settlement and its central geographic position.

Hints

1
Consider the difference between a 'penal colony' and a 'free settlement'.
2
Look at the map of Australia; which state sits in the middle and touches almost everything else?

Practice More

Review the distinct origins of each colony to avoid confusing free settlements with penal colonies.
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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