Lyla Lindsey
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, spanning approximately 7.6 million square kilometres. It is smaller than Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. Australia is also the smallest continent, with a total land area of 8.56 million square kilometres. The country is known for its diverse environments, from coral reefs to deserts, and its vast coastline stretching over 34,000 kilometres. In comparison to other countries, Australia is similar in size to the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), and nearly twice the size of Kazakhstan. Australia's size is a testament to its freedom and endless possibilities, offering a sense of liberation to those seeking immersion in nature's wonders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australia's rank in the world by area | Sixth-largest country |
| Australia's size | 7,682,300 km sq /2,966,152 miles sq or 7.6 million sq km |
| Australia's population (2017) | 24.16 million |
| Australia's coastline length | Over 34,000 km |
| Smallest territory in Australia | ACT, 2,358 sq km |
| Australia's rank as a continent | Smallest continent |
| Australia's continental land mass rank | Smallest |
| Australia's size compared to the USA | Smaller than the USA, but bigger than the contiguous USA (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) |
| Australia's size compared to Canada | Smaller than Canada |
| Australia's size compared to Central America | Bigger than Central America |
| Australia's size compared to China | Smaller than China |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world
Australia's size is emphasised by its lengthy coastline, which stretches over 34,000 kilometres and boasts renowned destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef and Bondi Beach. The country's two largest states, Western Australia and Queensland, cover 2.5 million and 1.8 million square kilometres, respectively. These states alone are significantly larger than Alaska, the largest state in the US at 1.7 million square kilometres.
The sheer size of Australia translates to a sense of freedom and endless possibilities for exploration and adventure. Its vastness encompasses not only physical dimensions but also an intangible sense of liberation that attracts people from across the globe. Australia's unique landscapes and experiences, from the rugged cliffs of the Great Australian Bight to the pristine beaches of the Gold Coast, showcase the country's grandeur and diversity.
Despite being the sixth-largest country, Australia accounts for just five percent of the world's land area. Additionally, when considering the Australian continent, which includes the mainland and nearby islands, it is the smallest of the seven traditional continents. The continent of Australia is also the lowest, flattest, and second-driest continent, after Antarctica.
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It's smaller than Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, spanning 7,682,300 to 7,688,287 square kilometres. It is smaller than five countries: Russia, Canada, the United States of America (USA), China, and Brazil.
Russia is the largest country in the world, with a total area of 17,098,242 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 11% of the world's landmass. Canada, the second-largest country, covers 9,093,507 square kilometres, while the US, the third-largest, covers 9,147,593 to 9,525,067 square kilometres. China, the world's fourth-largest country, spans 9,596,960 square kilometres, though this figure does not include its coastal and territorial waters. Finally, Brazil, the fifth-largest country, has a total area exceeding that of Australia.
Despite being smaller than these five countries, Australia is far bigger than most people realise. For example, if you disregard Alaska and Hawaii, Australia is bigger than the continental USA. Additionally, two of Australia's states, Western Australia and Queensland, are the second and third-largest states in the world, respectively. Western Australia covers 2.5 million square kilometres, and Queensland covers 1.8 million square kilometres, which is larger than any individual US state.
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Australia is the smallest continental land mass
The continent of Australia, known as Sahul, Australinea, or Meganesia, includes mainland Australia, Tasmania, and the island of New Guinea. During the Pleistocene ice age, these landmasses were connected by dry land. Today, the continent is divided by shallow seas, with the Arafura Sea and Torres Strait separating mainland Australia from New Guinea, and Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania.
Australia's size is remarkable, with a vast coastline stretching over 34,000 kilometres. The country offers a range of landscapes and experiences, from the rugged cliffs of Western Australia's Great Australian Bight to the pristine beaches of Queensland's Gold Coast.
When compared to other countries, Australia is far bigger than most people realise. Excluding Alaska and Hawaii, Australia is roughly the same size as the contiguous United States. Australia is also significantly larger than Germany and Central America in terms of land area.
In summary, Australia, the smallest continental land mass, offers a vast array of environments and experiences that showcase its expansive nature and grandeur. Its sheer size is a testament to the freedom and endless possibilities that draw people from all over the globe to explore its unique destinations.
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It's the world's largest island, spanning 7.6 million km squared
Australia is the world's largest island, spanning 7.6 million km squared. It is the sixth-largest country in the world, after Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. Australia's landmass accounts for just five percent of the world's total land area, and it is the smallest continental land mass.
The country is made up of diverse ecosystems, from coral reefs to deserts, and its coastline is over 34,000 kilometres long. The length of the coastline provides endless opportunities for exploration, from the rugged cliffs of Western Australia's Great Australian Bight to the pristine beaches of Queensland's Gold Coast.
Australia holds the record for two of its states being the second and third-largest in the world. Western Australia covers 2.5 million square kilometres, and Queensland covers 1.8 million square kilometres. The largest state in the US, for comparison, is Alaska at 1.7 million square kilometres.
The continent of Australia, which includes mainland Australia, Tasmania, and the island of New Guinea, is the smallest of the seven traditional continents. It is also the lowest, flattest, and second-driest continent, after Antarctica.
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Western Australia is 2.5 million km squared
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, with a total land area of 7,682,300 km squared (or 7,688,287 km squared according to another source). It is smaller than Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. When compared to the USA, Australia is slightly smaller, but if you exclude Alaska and Hawaii, the two countries are roughly the same size.
Western Australia is a state occupying the western 32.9% of the land area of Australia, excluding external territories. It is the largest state in Australia, with a total land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi) or 2.5 million km squared. This makes it the second-largest country subdivision in the world, surpassed only by Russia's Sakha Republic. To put it into perspective, Western Australia is larger than the largest state in the US, Alaska, which spans 1.7 million square kilometres.
Western Australia is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the northeast, and South Australia to the southeast. It has a diverse range of climates, including tropical conditions in the Kimberley region, deserts in the interior, and a Mediterranean climate in the southwest and southern coastal areas.
The state has a relatively small population, with around 2.6 million to 2.965 million inhabitants as of 2017 and 2024, respectively. The vast majority (over 90%) of the population lives in the southwest corner, with around 79% to 80% living in the state capital, Perth. The remainder of the state is sparsely populated.
Western Australia is a major producer of natural resources, including iron ore, gold, bauxite, alumina, and diamonds. It also has a significant agricultural sector, with wheat production averaging nearly 10 million tonnes between 2010 and 2019.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, spanning over 7.6 million square kilometres.
Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil are all bigger than Australia.
The USA is slightly larger than Australia, with a land area of 9.1 million square kilometres. However, if you exclude Alaska and Hawaii, the two countries are roughly the same size.
Australia is much larger than the UK. When placed next to each other on a map, the UK is completely dwarfed by Australia.
Yes, Australia is the smallest of the seven traditional continents, with a total land area of 8.56 million square kilometres.
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