Adelaide is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia, and is the fifth-largest city in Australia. It is known as "The City of Churches". Adelaide stretches 20km (12mi) from the coast to the foothills, and 90km (56mi) fromGawlerat its northern extent toSellicks Beachin the south.
As South Australia's seat of government and commercial centre, Adelaide is the site of many governmental and financial institutions. Most of these are concentrated in thecity centrealong the cultural boulevard ofNorth Terrace,King William Streetand in various districts of the metropolitan area. Today, itis noted forits many festivalsand sporting events, its food and wine, its long beachfronts, its large defence and manufacturing sectors. It ranks highly in terms of liveability, being listed in the Top 10 ofThe Economist Intelligence Unit'sWorld's Most Liveable Cities!