The fact is, we're a big state – huge in fact – one-and-a-half times the size of Texas! But we've only got 1.6 million people living here, most of us based in the city of Adelaide.

We have ranges, deserts, and islands. We have rolling hills and valleys, pastures, wine regions, lakes and the mighty Murray River system. And we have so many beaches – a chain of them running 3,000 miles – that if you want a deserted stretch of sand, well, be our guest.

And of course there's our most famous 'wild country' destination, Kangaroo Island, voted by National Geographic Traveler as the most unspoilt island in the Asia Pacific region. Kangaroo Island (or KI) is the country's premier destination for wildlife.

Our marine environments are clean, pristine and protected – with 19 new marine parks created during 2008. They also offer the sort of encounters that most people dream about.

South Australia is the heart of Australian wine, producing almost 65% of Australian wine exports by volume. There are 16 official wine regions and over 300 cellar doors, the majority of them no more than a 90-minute drive from the capital city of Adelaide.

Whether you want to take off into the sunset and surrender to the landscape, or be guided towards its mysteries and spectacles by the people who know it best, SA will connect you with Australia in a way you'd always hoped.

Naturally.

To find out more on South Australia please visit www.southaustralia.com.

One of the most liveable cities in the world

Today, our capital city Adelaide is healthy, wealthy and vibrant. Adelaide is consistently ranked one of the most liveable cities in the world and is among the most affordable capital cities in Australia.

It is internationally regarded for providing enviable work and lifestyle choices and a safe living environment.

It offers fresh perspectives on city life thanks to the gorgeous hills on one side and dazzling seas on the other. It also subscribes to a view that life is to be enjoyed and celebrated.

We're the friendliest, most relaxed state capital in the country, with more restaurants per head than anywhere in the world. In larger cities, you're often an observer of the local scene; within the intimacy of Adelaide, you can't help but be part of it.

Clean, green food and wine

South Australia's food and wines are second to none, harvested from landscapes that are clean, green and cared for. And it's perhaps this communion of sublime environment and quality produce that gives you an unrivalled eating experience.

High-quality seafood, meat, dairy, grains, fruit and vegetables - grown and produced in diverse, pristine, natural environments across the state - are appreciated around the world. In fact, the United States is South Australia's largest export market for our quality meat products, with over 30% of all beef and lamb exports going to the US.

South Australia's red and white wine output is a major contributor to Australia's position as the world's sixth-largest producer of wine. The state produces half of the nation's wine exports and is home to globally sought-after R&D and education in viticulture and wine science. The United States has developed a great appreciation for our wine, with around 20% of all wine exports from South Australia going to the US.

Visit www.pir.sa.gov.au for more information

South Australia is open for business and ripe for investment

South Australia has a highly competitive environment and an ease of doing business that is the envy of other states.
Support for investors includes access to key decision-makers in government and strong investment facilitation through Invest in SA.

 South Australia's advantages include:

• a well-planned supply of affordable industrial land, linked to strategic infrastructure and transport corridors
• an advanced manufacturing, technology and research base
• world's leading companies in defence, food and wine, resources, information and communications technology, and automotive sectors
• strong collaboration and partnership between industry and government
• excellence in higher education, skills training and research
• growing investment and trade relationships with China and India.

The Defence State

South Australia has a proud history of delivering world-class defence projects. This state is home to a critical mass of top scientific, research and educational institutions, a highly skilled workforce and state-of-the-art infrastructure. These factors, supported by the State Government's strong commitment to the defence industry, make South Australia - the Defence State.