Western Australia (WA), located on the western edge of Australia, is the country's largest state, covering an immense area of 2.5 million square kilometers. It is bordered by the Indian and Southern Oceans, the Northern Territory, and South Australia. WA holds the distinction of being the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth, after Russia's Sakha Republic, and is the largest subnational entity globally. Despite its vast size, WA has a population of just under 2.9 million, with most residents living in the southern coastal regions, particularly in Perth, the state capital. This makes WA a sparsely populated state, with over 90% of its people residing in the south-west corner.

WA’s geography offers a striking variety of climates and landscapes, from the tropical regions in the Kimberley to the arid deserts of the Great Sandy and Gibson Deserts. The southern coastal regions experience a Mediterranean climate. The state's economy has historically been driven by the mining sector, particularly the iron ore industry, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Gold, petroleum, natural gas, and other minerals are also significant contributors. Agriculture, pastoralism, and fishing remain vital to the state's economy, especially in the Wheatbelt and southern coastal areas.

The history of Western Australia is rich with Indigenous culture, having been inhabited by its First Nations peoples for tens of thousands of years. Dutch explorers, led by Dirk Hartog, were the first Europeans to land on its shores in 1616. British settlers established the Swan River Colony in 1829, with Perth as its capital. Over the years, the state experienced substantial growth, notably during the gold rushes of the late 19th century. Western Australia gained responsible government in 1890, and by 1901, it became part of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Today, WA stands as a global economic powerhouse, with a booming mining sector and a growing economy bolstered by its diverse natural resources.