Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide is the capital of the state of South Australia and was named in honor of Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV. Adelaide was founded in 1836 and designed by Colonel William Light. Its location close to the River Torrens is an area that was traditionally inhabited by the Kaurna aboriginal peoples. Adelaide’s early history was shaped by religious freedom and a commitment to civil liberties and today’s Adelaide is known for its wine, arts and sports. Prior to being settled by the British, Adelaide and the surrounding area was inhabited by the Kaurna Aboriginal tribe whose unique custom of burn-offs, or controlled bushfires, were spotted by the early Europeans. As with many tribes throughout Australia, the Kaurna were eventually pushed out of the area and their population dwindled. The wool industry was an early economic strength in the area, along with farming – notably wheat. In 1841, silver was discovered in Glen Osmond and mines sprung up all over the state. The city began to export meat, wool, wine, fruit and wheat and residents enjoyed a prosperous existence. When much of Australia was affected by a severe economic downturn in the 1890s, Adelaide was spared and silver and lead discoveries at Broken Hill propped up the economy. World War I and II resulted in post-war booms and as a result, shipbuilding and defense became valuable assets. The South Australian Government used wartime manufacturing factories to entice companies like General Motors and Chrysler (now Mitsubishi) to use these factories, transforming the city from an agricultural one to an industrial one in a short period of time. Adelaide is home to 70 % of Australia's defense industries, and the government military research institution, and other defense technology organizations are located in the area. Australia's Collins class submarines] and the recent AU$6 billion contract to construct the Royal Australian Navy's new air-warfare destroyers keep Adelaide at the forefront of modern defense, which helps feed the local economy. Port Adelaide, which is situated by the Gulf St Vincent, at the mouth of the Torrens River, is the main trading centre for much of the state.In addition to its superior shipping facilities, Adelaide is known for its production of electronic and motor-vehicle equipment, plastic goods, and textiles. The distribution and export of agricultural products grown in the area are also integral to the local economy