Tasmania is a state in the commonwealth of Australia. Tasmanians are citizens of Australia, travel on Australian passports and vote in federal elections. In this regard, Tasmania is as much a part of Australia as any other state.

Physically, Tasmania is unique in that it is separated from the Australian mainland by Bass Strait. Because of the physical status, Tasmania is often known as Australia's "island state" and has certain special quarantine regulations. Americans may wish to compare Tasmania's situation with that of, say, Hawaii.

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Last reviewed 2006-08-05 17:39:54