The state is rich in bauxite, coal, copper, natural gas, petroleum, silver, and tin. Queensland has a population of 2,978,617, including 48,000 Aborigines. Most of the people were born in Australia or in the British Isles. Gold Coast is Queensland's second largest city. Queensland depends on crops and herds for much of its wealth.
Sugar cane is the chief crop.
Other important crops include barley, oats, wheat, and several kinds of hay. Many kinds of tropical fruits thrive on the coast. Cotton, peanuts, and tobacco are also grown in Queensland. The state raises about a third of Australia's cattle. Sheep raising is also important.