Pilbara, Western Australia

Pilbara
Region
The Pilbara region according to the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993
Country	Australia
State	Western Australia
Area	502,000 km2 (193,823 sq mi)
Population	48,610 (2010)

The Pilbara (/ˈpɪlbərə/) is a large, dry, thinly populated region in the north of Western Australia. It is known for its Aboriginal peoples; its ancient landscapes; the red earth; its vast mineral deposits, in particular iron ore; and as a global biodiversity hotspot for subterranean fauna.

At least two important but differing definitions of the region exist. It is one of nine regions of the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993, and is also the name of a bioregion (which differs in extent) under the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA)

Table excerpted from . See IBRA. (The remainder of the article is essentially related to the definition of the Pilbara given by the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993).

The region, as defined by the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993, has an estimated population of 48,610 as of June 2010^[update]. The Pilbara covers an area of 502,000 km², which includes some of Earth's oldest rock formations. It includes landscapes of coastal plains and mountain ranges with cliffs and gorges. The major settlements of the region are Port Hedland, Karratha and Newman. The three main ports in this region are Port Hedland, Dampier and Port Walcott.