Victoria, Australia's second most populous state. Victoria occupies the extreme southeastern segment of the continent. With an area of 87,804 square miles (227,415 sq km)—or less than 3% of the nation's area—the state had a resident population constituting some 24.8% of the total population. Victoria is nine times as densely populated as Australia as a whole. Varied agricultural production, extensive industrial development, abundant energy resources, and a skilled workforce together have supplied a strong economic foundation for Victoria's prosperity and generally high standard of living.

Victoria is roughly wedge-shaped state of Australia. The Murray River and a line drawn from the river's source to the southeastern "corner" of the continent form the state's northern border, with New South Wales. To the south lies Bass Strait. Victoria is bounded on the west by South Australia, with its western border at longitude 141° E. The state's per capita share of the nation's gross domestic product is surpassed among the states only by the Australian Capital Territory. The climate encourages open-air living, and love of sport is pandemic.