Perth is the only major city on the west coast. Like Brisbane, it has a rapidly growing population. This growth was built on the development of Western Australia's mineral wealth and has relied more on migration from interstate than from overseas.
Perth is built on sandy soil and on the swampy plain to the west of the low Darling Ranges scarp. Development is being channeled into corridors to the north and south.
The city centre looks out over the broad stretches of the Swan River estuary. Expansion of the metropolis has extended southwards to the city of Fremantle at the mouth of the Swan River. A moderate Mediterranean climate prevails.
Population: 1 295 100 (1996 Census)
More information on Western Australia.
