A penal colony is a settlement used to isolate and punish individuals convicted of crimes. These colonies often serve as a form of imprisonment, where inmates are sent to work and live under strict conditions. Historically, many countries established penal colonies to manage overcrowded prisons and to utilize the labor of convicts for economic development. One of the most famous examples of a penal colony is Australia, which was originally established by the British in the late 18th century. Convicts were transported to this remote location, where they contributed to the development of the land while serving their sentences. Over time, these colonies evolved into thriving communities.