# Hobart

> capital city of Tasmania, Australia

**Wikidata**: [Q40191](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q40191)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobart)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hobart

## Summary
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, Australia, founded in 1803 as a British colonial settlement. As of the 2021 census, it has a population of 197,451 in its urban center and serves as the cultural, economic, and administrative hub of the island. Located on the estuary of the River Derwent, it is Australia’s oldest capital city.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1803 (as Hobart Town; renamed Hobart in 1875).
- **Population**: 197,451 (2021 Australian Census, urban centre and locality); 222,356 (2016 census).
- **Area**: 1,357.30 square kilometres.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -42.8833°, Longitude 147.3167°.
- **Elevation**: 54 metres (city centre); 1,270 metres (Mount Wellington summit).
- **Time Zone**: UTC+10:00.
- **Capital of**: Tasmania (since 1856).
- **Named After**: Robert Hobart, 4th Earl of Buckinghamshire.
- **Twinned With**: L’Aquila (Italy), Yaizu (Japan), Valdivia (Chile), Brest (France), Barile (Italy), Fuzhou (China, since 2017).
- **Postal Code**: TAS 7000.
- **UN/LOCODE**: AUHBA.
- **Statistical Geography IDs**: 2011 (6003, UCL603001, 6GHOB); 2016 (6GHOB, UCL603001); 2021 (UCL603001).

## FAQs
- **When was Hobart founded?**  
  Hobart was founded in 1803 as a British penal colony, initially named Hobart Town. It was officially renamed Hobart in 1875.

- **What is Hobart’s population?**  
  As of 2021, the urban centre and locality population is 197,451, down from 222,356 in 2016, reflecting changes in census boundaries and methods.

- **Where is Hobart located?**  
  Hobart is situated on the southeastern coast of Tasmania, at the mouth of the River Derwent, near Mount Wellington (1,270 metres).

- **Why is Hobart significant?**  
  It is Australia’s second-oldest capital city, a key port for Antarctic expeditions, and a cultural centre known for festivals like the Moomba Festival and the Salamanca Market.

- **What cities is Hobart twinned with?**  
  Hobart maintains sister-city relationships with L’Aquila (Italy), Yaizu (Japan), Valdivia (Chile), Brest (France), Barile (Italy), and Fuzhou (China).

## Why It Matters
Hobart plays a pivotal role as Tasmania’s economic and cultural nucleus, blending colonial history with modern amenities. Its ice-free port supports Antarctic research operations, and its natural harbor and scenic backdrop (including Mount Wellington) make it a tourism focal point. As Australia’s oldest capital city, it preserves architectural and historical heritage while driving regional innovation in sectors like aquaculture and renewable energy.

## Notable For
- Oldest capital city in Australia (founded 1803).
- Home to the world’s oldest surviving curling club (Royal Hobart Curling Club, 1847).
- Hosts the annual Sydney Hobart Yacht Race finish line.
- Base for Australian Antarctic Division operations.
- UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historic Site nearby.
- Salamanca Market (Australia’s largest outdoor market).
- Highest temperature record: 41.8°C (4 January 2013).

## Body

### History
Hobart was established in 1803 as a British penal colony at Sullivans Cove, initially named Hobart Town. It became the capital of the Colony of Van Diemen’s Land in 1804 and was renamed Hobart in 1875. The city’s early economy relied on whaling, shipbuilding, and agriculture, transitioning to manufacturing and tourism in the 20th century.

### Geography
- **Location**: Southeastern Tasmania, bordered by the River Derwent and Mount Wellington/Kunanyi (1,270m).
- **Area**: 1,357.30 km², encompassing Greater Hobart and surrounding councils (City of Clarence, Glenorchy, etc.).
- **Elevation**: Ranges from sea level to 1,270 metres at Mount Wellington’s peak.

### Demographics
- **2021 Census**: 197,451 residents in urban areas, with a median age of 41 and 53.2% female population.
- **2016 Census**: 222,356 residents, reflecting broader census boundaries.
- **Ethnic Diversity**: 83.2% Australian-born, with significant English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry.

### Governance
- **Capital Status**: Declared capital of Tasmania in 1856.
- **Local Government**: Administered by the City of Hobart, one of six councils in the Greater Hobart area.

### Economy
- **Key Industries**: Tourism (1.2 million annual visitors), aquaculture (salmon farming), shipbuilding, and Antarctic logistics.
- **Port Activity**: Handles 1 million tonnes of cargo annually, supporting trade and research vessels.

### Culture
- **Festivals**: Moomba Festival (water-themed), Dark MOFO (winter arts), and the Hobart Book Festival.
- **Institutions**: Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and the Theatre Royal (1837).

### Education
- **Universities**: University of Tasmania (founded 1890), with campuses in Sandy Bay and the city centre.
- **Research**: Australian Antarctic Division headquarters and the Cooperative Research Centre for Antarctic Science.

### Infrastructure
- **Transport**: Hobart International Airport (HBA), ferry terminals, and the Tasman Highway.
- **Utilities**: Hydroelectric power from the Derwent River catchment.

### Environment
- **Biodiversity**: Proximity to Mount Wellington and the Derwent Estuary supports endemic species like the eastern quoll.
- **Climate**: Oceanic climate (Cfb), with average January highs of 22.4°C and July lows of 3.4°C.

### International Relations
- **Sister Cities**: Partnerships with L’Aquila (Italy, 1965), Yaizu (Japan, 1977), and Fuzhou (China, 2017) foster cultural and economic exchanges.

### Challenges
- **Growth Management**: Balancing urban expansion with environmental protection, particularly in the Mount Wellington region.
- **Seasonal Tourism**: Addressing economic fluctuations tied to tourism peaks and Antarctic expedition schedules.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. [Source](http://www.fuzhou.gov.cn/zgfzzt/zjrc/gjyhcs/202201/P020220117351044590058.pdf)
3. BnF authorities
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Telecommunications Numbering Plan 2015
6. Or mes2be sch :  mes2besch zoom Section: Part J—Charging Zones
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. MusicBrainz
9. [Source](http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/6GHOB?opendocument)
10. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/UCL603001)
11. GeoNames
12. BBC Things
13. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
14. [Source](http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/extreme/records.shtml)
15. [Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno](https://ipac.svkkl.cz/arl-kl/cs/detail-kl_us_auth-0276091-Hobart-Tasmanie)