<P> Australia ( officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia ) is a federation of six states , together with ten federal territories . The Australian mainland consists of five of the six federated states and three of the federal territories ( the `` internal '' territories ) . The state of Tasmania is an island about 200 kilometres ( 120 mi ) south of the mainland . The remaining seven territories are classified for some purposes as `` external '' territories . Aside from the Australian Antarctic Territory , which is Australia 's claim to part of Antarctica , Australia is the world 's sixth - largest country by total area . </P>
<P> Australia ( officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia ) is a federation of six states , together with ten federal territories . The Australian mainland consists of five of the six federated states and three of the federal territories ( the `` internal '' territories ) . The state of Tasmania is an island about 200 kilometres ( 120 mi ) south of the mainland . The remaining seven territories are classified for some purposes as `` external '' territories . Aside from the Australian Antarctic Territory , which is Australia 's claim to part of Antarctica , Australia is the world 's sixth - largest country by total area . </P>
is tasmania a state or territory in australia
is tasmania a state or territory in australia
state
state