This island forms the sixth state of the Australian federation. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean, situated at the southeastern extremity of the Australian mainland, from which it is separated by Bass 792

Strait, about 150 miles wide. Area, 26,215 square miles. Population, estimated, 145,-000 (aborigines quite extinct). Religion, Protestants, 102,551; Roman Catholics, 30,516; Jews, 316. Government administered as in other British colonies. Education, compulsory. There are sixteen superior schools or colleges.