The state of Tasmania, a sovereign Australian state, is located 200 kilometres (125 mi) south of the eastern side of the continent, being separated from it by Bass Strait. The state of Tasmania includes the island of Tasmania, and other surrounding islands. Tasmania has a population of 484,700 (March 2005, ABS) and an area of 68,332 square kilometres (26,383 sq mi). Tasmania promotes itself as the Natural State and the "Island of Rejuvenation" owing to its large, and relatively unspoiled natural environment. Formally, 36% of Tasmania is in reserves, National Parks and World Heritage Sites.

The capital and largest city is Hobart, which also encompasses the cities of Glenorchy and Clarence. Other major population centres include Launceston in the north, and Devonport and Burnie in the northwest.

The subantarctic Macquarie Island is also under the administration of the state.

The largest public education institute in Tasmania is the University of Tasmania, with major campuses at Newnham (in Launceston) and Sandy Bay (in Hobart), along with a north-west centre in Burnie.

The state government's Department of Education runs the public K-12 education system, and is also responsible for lifelong learning such as Adult Education and the State Library. TAFE Tasmania, also within the Education portfolio, is a vocational tertiary institution with many campuses around the state.

The public education system includes eight colleges for year 11 and 12 students:
Hobart: Hobart College, Claremont College, Elizabeth College, Rosny College.
Launceston: Launceston College, Newstead College.
North west: Hellyer College, The Don College.

It also includes 57 high schools (year 7-10), and 138 primary schools (years K-6). Of the high schools, 26 are district schools or district high schools, where in rural areas the primary and high schools are located on a single campus. There are also 8 support (or special) schools, 4 early learning centres, 1 infant school and distance education.

There are many private schools and colleges in Tasmania. Private schools generally have a religious affiliation, although the strength varies between school. The following major schools offer tuition to students in years K-12:
Hobart: The Friends' School, Dominic College, The Hutchins School, St Michael's Collegiate School, Fahan School, Mt Carmel College, St Virgils College, Guilford Young College, St Mary's College.
Launceston: St Patrick's College, Scotch Oakburn College, Launceston Church Grammar School, North west Marist Regional College. (Ref Wikipedia)