|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
South Island
South Island (1996 pop. 900,114), 58,093 sq mi (150,461 sq km), New Zealand. It is the larger but less populous of the two principal islands of the country and is also known as the Mainland. It is separated from the North Island , the other principal island, by Cook Strait and from Stewart Island by Foveaux Strait. The Clutha and Waitaki are the largest rivers. The island includes the extensive Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps , which extend almost the entire length of the island. Fiordland National Park includes a major portion of the southwest. The South Island's principal cities are Christchurch , Dunedin , and Invercargill . The South Island is New Zealand's main source of native timber. Grain and fruit are grown and sheep are raised; some coal, gold, and oil is found there. The island has several large hydroelectric projects. |
|
|
Cite this article
"South Island." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "South Island." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-SthIsl.html "South Island." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-SthIsl.html |
|
South Island
South Island Larger of the two principal islands that comprise New Zealand. Its chief cities are Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercarguill. The Southern Alps extend the length of the island, and separate the thickly forested w coast from the broad Canterbury Plains in the e. Cereal growing, sheep and cattle rearing, and dairying are important on the plains, and tourism is a valuable source of income in almost all parts. Area: 150,461sq km (58,093sq mi). Pop. (2001) 942,213.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"South Island." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "South Island." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-SouthIsland.html "South Island." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-SouthIsland.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
