Facts & Figures
Quick facts on South Australia
Area: 984,377 square kilometres
Capital: Adelaide (population 1 129 145 In June 2005)
Coastline: 4800 kilometres (with 100 islands)
Statewide population: 1 554 700 in June 2006
Language: English
Adelaide's sister cities: Christchurch, New Zealand; Georgetown, Penang; Austin, Texas; Himeji, Japan.
State Emblems
Marine: Leafy sea dragon
Faunal: Hairy-nosed or plains wombat
Floral: Sturt's Desert Pea
Gemstone: Opal
See these and South Australia's insignia at the Premier's emblems web page.
History & Statistics
For detailed information on history and prominent South Australians, go to the History Trust of South Australia. South Australian statistics can be found on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website. To find out more on Adelaide's business strengths, visit the South Australian Department of Trade and Economic Development website.
Public holidays 2009
New Year's Day - Thursday 1 January
Australia Day - Monday 26 January
Adelaide Cup - Monday 9 March
Good Friday - Friday 10 April
Day after Good Friday - Saturday 11 April
Easter Monday - Monday 13 April
Anzac Day - Saturday 25 April
Queen's Birthday/Volunteer's Day - Monday 8 June
Labour Day - Monday 5 October
Christmas Day - Friday 25 December
Proclamation Day - Monday 28 December
You can find a full list of public holidays to 2010 on the Dates to Remember page at SA Central.
Government school term dates
Please visit the South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services website for school terms dates to 2009. For term dates in other States and Territories of Australia, please visit the Australia Government School Holidays site.
Shopping Hours
Trading hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. There's late night shopping in Adelaide city stores every Friday until 9pm, and at Adelaide suburban stores every Thursday until 9pm. Trading hours on public holidays may be limited. Trading hours vary in country areas, with many larger stores opened extensively, seven days a week.
Toilet map
For a complete listing of public toilets across South Australia and nationwide, please see the national public toilet map website.


