Sydney was the first permanent European settlement in Australia and today is the country’s largest metropolitan area.

It is the seat of state government as the capital of New South Wales (NSW), Australia’s most populous and economically important state.

The city is a dynamic cultural center with a diversified economy focused on service industries, tourism, manufacturing, and international commerce. Its port is one of the leading centers of intercontinental trade in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sydney was founded as a British penal colony on January 26, 1788. The British government sent ships of convicts from overcrowded British jails to Sydney until the mid-1800s.

Today, the stunning natural harbor forms the centerpiece of a modern, cosmopolitan city. Sydney’s diverse population, a result of immigration from many other countries, is reflected in the city’s vibrant cultural life.

Sydney is the top Australian destination for tourists from abroad, and tourism is a leading industry in the city. Sydney hosted the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, which boosted its image worldwide as the gateway to Australia.