1. island in the Tasman Sea, separated from the southeastern coast of Australia by the Bass Strait. Area: 68,330 sq km (26,380 sq mi)
2. state in southeastern Australia, occupying the island of Tasmania. First settled by the British in 1803, it became a separate colony in 1825. Capital: Hobart. Population: 482,128 (2004 estimate).
Former name Van Diemen's Land 1642-1856
