Queensland is a state in the north-eastern mainland of Australia. Population is 3.94 million people (third place among states in the country). The capital and the largest city is Brisbane. Official name is «Sunshine State» and «Smart State».
The first settlers in the region were the Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, who arrived here, according to various dating methods about 40000 – 65000 years ago. Later, after the arrival of European colonists in Queensland was established British colony, which became a separate administrative-territorial unit at June 6, 1859. This date is now celebrated annually as The Queensland Day.
The territory which is now occupied by the Brisbane, was originally a colony of Moreton Bay, designed to link back-convicted offenders who have committed a second offense in exile in New South Wales. Later, the state government began to encourage the establishment of the free settlement that today has led to the development of agriculture, tourism and natural resources.
Most of the state's population lives in South-East Queensland, which include the capital Brisbane, Logan City, Redland City, Ipswich, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Other important regional centers: Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Harvey Bay, Ingem and Mount Isa.
Informal name of the residents of Queensland is "Banana Benders", probably comes from the huge number of banana plantations in the tropics of the state.