South Australia
Occupying the south-central area of the country with a vast coastline along the Great Australian Bight and the Indian Ocean, South Australia occupies 1,043,514 square kilometres and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Annual temperatures average from 29 degrees C in January to 15 degrees C in July, although some parts of the country can experience daily temperatures around 48 degrees C.
South Australia, founded in 1836, was the first planned, non-convict settlement area in Australia. The population has grown to 1,644,642 as of June 2010, approximately 70% of which live in Adelaide, the state's capital city.
The state's economy centres around the manufacturing industry, especially auto-mobiles, component manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, electronic systems, and defence technology, all comprising 15% of the country's gross national product. The state possesses the largest uranium deposit in the world at the Olympic Dam mine, 550 km north-north-west of Adelaide which is also the fourth largest deposit of copper. Additionally, the mine has significant deposits of iron, gold, copper, and silver.
South Australia's economy is considerably more dependent on exports than is any other state or territory, totalling in excess of AUD $10 billion annually and has historically experienced a growth rate of 8.8%.
South Australia residents love sports and support no less than five professional sports and a cornucopia of professional and amateur teams and leagues, encompassing all age groups and skill levels. Professional sports programs include Australian Rules football, Association football, basketball, cricket, and motor racing.