Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia and the USA are two of the largest countries in the world, with both countries renowned for their unique wildlife and natural landmarks. Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km, while the USA is approximately 9,833,517 sq km, making the USA around 27% larger than Australia. Interestingly, when comparing mainland Australia to the contiguous United States (the 48 adjoining US states), Australia is about 1.2% larger. This comparison highlights the vastness and diversity of each country's landscapes, from the Grand Canyon to the Great Barrier Reef.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land Area | Australia: 7.69 million square kilometers Mainland USA: 9.17 million square kilometers |
| World Ranking | Australia: Sixth-largest country Mainland USA: Third-largest country |
| Percentage of Total Earth's Land | Australia: 5.5% Mainland USA: 6.3% |
| Population | Australia: 26 million (as of 2023) Mainland USA: 333 million (as of 2023) |
| Population Density | Australia: 3.4 people per square kilometer Mainland USA: 36.3 people per square kilometer |
| Coastline Length | Australia: 35,877 kilometers Mainland USA: 19,924 kilometers |
| Number of Time Zones | Australia: 3 Mainland USA: 4 |
| Highest Point | Australia: Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters) Mainland USA: Mount Denali (6,190 meters) |
| Lowest Point | Australia: Lake Eyre (-15 meters) Mainland USA: Death Valley (-86 meters) |
| Major Landforms | Australia: Great Barrier Reef, Outback, Great Dividing Range Mainland USA: Appalachian Mountains, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Mississippi River |
| Natural Resources | Australia: Coal, iron ore, natural gas, uranium Mainland USA: Coal, oil, natural gas, timber, copper |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is 1.2% bigger than the contiguous US
Australia has a total land area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers, while the contiguous United States (the 48 adjoining US states and Washington, D.C., excluding Alaska and Hawaii) covers around 7.5 million square kilometers. This means that Australia is roughly 1.2% larger than the contiguous United States. To put this into perspective, if we consider the land area of the contiguous US as a reference point, Australia is equivalent to just over 101% of this area. This percentage difference highlights the relatively small variance in size between these two vast countries.
Despite this overall similarity in size, the geographical distribution and land features differ significantly between the two nations. Australia, for instance, boasts a more compact and unified landmass, with its states and territories interconnected. In contrast, the contiguous United States presents a more fragmented landscape, with a diverse array of geographical regions, including mountains, plains, and coastal areas.
The population distribution also varies greatly between the two countries. The US has a considerably larger population, with over 331 million people, compared to Australia's roughly 26 million. This results in a stark contrast in population density, with the US having approximately 34 people per square kilometer, while Australia's population density is a mere 3 people per square kilometer.
When it comes to the human aspect, the cultural and societal makeup of the two countries also differs. Australia is known for its diverse and multicultural society, with a significant proportion of its population born overseas or having at least one foreign-born parent. The US, on the other hand, while also culturally diverse, has a higher percentage of its population identifying as solely of European descent.
In summary, while Australia is only slightly larger than the contiguous United States in terms of land area, the two countries offer distinct geographical and cultural experiences. Australia's unified landmass and lower population density provide a different perspective on space and distance, while the US presents a more varied geographical landscape and a higher concentration of people and urban centers. These differences contribute to the unique character and appeal of each country.
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The US is 27% larger than Australia
Australia and the US are two of the largest countries in the world. In terms of size, the US is 27% larger than Australia. To put this into perspective, travelling from Sydney to Perth in Australia is roughly the same as travelling from New York to Los Angeles in the US. However, the US has a significantly larger population, with around 311.2 million more people living there than in Australia.
When comparing the two countries, it is important to consider their diverse landscapes and geographical features. Australia is known for its unique wildlife and natural landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef. In contrast, the US boasts a diverse geography, ranging from vast plains to mountain ranges, including the Grand Canyon and the Great Lakes.
In terms of sheer size, the US spans approximately 9.8 million square kilometres, while Australia covers around 7.7 million square kilometres. This makes the US the third-largest country in the world. Interestingly, when comparing the contiguous US (the 48 adjoining US states and Washington, DC) to Australia, Australia is actually about 1.2% larger.
The size difference between the US and Australia is intriguing, especially considering their similar latitudes and weather patterns. However, it is important to note that ocean currents and mountain ranges can have a significant impact on the local climate in both countries.
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The US has diverse geography, from plains to mountains
The United States has a land area of approximately 9,833,517 sq km, while Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km. This makes the US around 27% larger than Australia, though Australia has a smaller population, with 311.2 million more people living in the US.
The coastal regions of the eastern and southern US include the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast, which are part of the Atlantic Plain. This region features a broad, flat coastal plain with long, white-sand beaches, stretching from the Texas-Mexico border to New York City. Offshore islands dot the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and the Florida Keys are a string of coral islands that reach the southernmost point of the US mainland.
The Appalachian Highlands lie along the eastern side of the US and include the Appalachian Mountains, the Watchung Mountains, the Adirondacks, and the New England province, which contains the Great Eastern Forest. The Appalachians are the longest mountain range in eastern North America, stretching 1,500 miles from northern Alabama to Maine, with a peak at 6,684 feet in North Carolina. The Appalachians played an important historical role as a barrier to colonial expansion, and they continue to be a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and campers due to their beautiful scenery.
The Interior Plains are part of the interior continental US and include the Great Plains, as well as highland and mountainous regions like the Black Hills and the Ozark Plateau. The Great Plains have a semi-arid climate west of the 100th meridian. The Interior Highlands are also part of the interior continental US and include the Ouachita Mountains and other smaller mountain systems.
The Pacific Mountain System includes the coastal mountain ranges and features of the US West Coast, such as the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges. The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range runs along the border between California and Nevada and is home to several of America's most popular national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. The Cascade Range includes Mount Rainier, which rises over 14,000 feet above sea level.
The Rocky Mountains form the longest mountain range in North America and the second-longest in the world, stretching 3,000 miles from New Mexico to Montana and into Canada. The Continental Divide is located along the Rockies, where water flows either to the Atlantic Ocean in the east or the Pacific Ocean in the west. The Rockies are known for their distinct seasons and diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, black bears, and elk.
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Australia is known for its unique wildlife and natural landmarks
Australia has some of the world's most famous natural landmarks, including the Great Barrier Reef, which is the world's largest coral reef system. The reef is home to diverse marine life and dotted with tropical islands and beautiful beaches. Above the water, you can explore picturesque islands and soak up the sun. The Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing on Earth that can be seen from space!
Australia is also home to towering waterfalls, bubble-gum pink lakes, and dramatic mountain ranges. The 12 Apostles rise defiantly from the wild Southern Ocean, creating spectacular vistas both from above and at sea level. The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park boasts iconic chasms, gorges, and signature yellow and black-striped domes. Wilpena Pound, in the Flinders Ranges, is a huge, sunken natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountains.
Australia's unique wildlife is just as fascinating as its landscapes. Over 80% of Australia's plants, mammals, reptiles, and frogs are unique to the country and found nowhere else. Some of the country's famous animals include kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, platypuses, and echidnas. The Tasmanian Devil, now only found in Tasmania, is an important part of the local ecosystem, helping to control the population of introduced species such as feral cats and red foxes.
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Sydney to Perth is like New York to LA in distance
Australia is slightly bigger than mainland America (the lower 48 states). Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km, while mainland America is approximately 9,833,517 sq km. This makes the United States 27% larger than Australia.
To put this into context, consider the distance between Sydney and Perth in Australia, and New York and Los Angeles in the United States. The distance between Sydney and Perth is longer than the distance between Moscow and Paris. It's an insanely long drive through a lot of flat, boring terrain, including the Nullarbor, which literally means "no trees".
The distance between New York and Los Angeles, on the other hand, is shorter than the distance between Moscow and Paris. While there may be some boring stretches of road, the drive between these two American cities takes you through a variety of landscapes and cultures.
So, when comparing the sizes of Australia and mainland America, it's as if the distance between Sydney and Perth in Australia is similar to the distance between New York and Los Angeles in the United States. This gives you a sense of the vastness of Australia relative to mainland America.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is slightly smaller than mainland America (the lower 48 states). America is around 27% larger or roughly 2 million sq km bigger.
America has a much higher population density. Australia has around 26 million people spread across its land, while America has over 330 million people.
America has far more named rivers—it has over 250,000, while Australia has 439.
The USA has over 5,300 universities, while Australia has 43.
The USA experiences a broader range of climates, from tropical to arctic. Australia has tropical, arid, and temperate climates.
