South Australia

South Australia (commonly abbreviated as SA) is a state located in the southern central part of Australia. Covering an area of approximately 984,000 square kilometres, it is the fourth-largest Australian state by land size and includes some of the most arid regions on the continent. As of 2025, South Australia has a population of around 1.9 million people, with more than two-thirds living in the capital city, Adelaide.

Geography & Location

South Australia shares borders with all mainland Australian states. It is bordered by Western Australia to the west, the Northern Territory to the north, Queensland to the northeast, New South Wales to the east, and Victoria to the southeast. To the south, it faces the Great Australian Bight, offering dramatic coastal landscapes and marine biodiversity.

Population & Settlement

The majority of South Australians reside in Greater Metropolitan Adelaide, making it one of the most centralised populations in the country. Outside the capital, population centres are relatively small, with Mount Gambier being the second-largest city. Regional communities are mainly found along the fertile southeast coast and the River Murray.

History & Heritage

South Australia has a unique colonial history. It was established as a free-settled, planned British province rather than a convict colony. Formal colonial government began in December 1836. Long before European settlement, the region was home to numerous Aboriginal groups with rich cultural traditions and languages.

Early settlement was guided by the principles of systematic colonisation, aiming to create a society based on civil liberties, religious freedom, and social order. Despite facing economic challenges throughout its history, South Australia has remained politically progressive and culturally vibrant.

Economy & Culture

Today, South Australia is internationally recognised for its premium wine regions, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley. The state’s economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, alongside a strong cultural sector supported by festivals, arts, and food tourism.