Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia, the world's smallest continent, is almost entirely surrounded by ocean. It is slightly smaller than the United States, covering 7,686,850 square kilometres (2,967,909 square miles) and accounting for just 5% of the world's land area. With its vast deserts, rugged mountains, and stunning coastline, Australia is known for its natural beauty and outdoor attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the Australian Outback.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land Area | 7,692,024 km2 |
| World Ranking | 6th largest country |
| Percentage of Land Area | 5% of world's land area |
| Coastline Length | 35,877 km |
| Exclusive Economic Zone | 8,232,100 km2 |
| Bordering Countries | 3 |
| States and Territories | 6 states and 2 territories |
| Highest Point | Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m) |
| Lowest Point | Lake Eyre (-15 m) |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is the world's smallest continent
The continent is often referred to as a 'big island', and with good reason. Its landmass is immense, yet it is isolated, being thousands of kilometers from neighboring landmasses. This isolation has played a key role in the development of Australia's unique flora and fauna, with the continent boasting an abundance of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The continent has a diverse landscape, from the tropical rainforests of Queensland to the snow-capped mountains of Victoria and Tasmania, the vast outback of the Red Center, and the urban coastal areas where most Australians live.
The continent is so large that it experiences a range of climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, and it even has alpine regions in the Australian Alps. The size and varying geography of the continent have led to a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems, each with its own unique flora and fauna. The continent is home to iconic Australian animals such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and emus, as well as unique reptiles, birds, and marine life. The Great Barrier Reef, for example, is the world's largest coral reef system and is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
Australia's size and isolation have also played a role in its human history and culture. The continent has been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for over 60,000 years, and their rich cultural heritage is an integral part of modern Australian society. The British colonization of Australia began in 1788, and the continent has since become a diverse and multicultural nation, with people from all over the world calling Australia home. The continent's size and low population density have also influenced its infrastructure and transport networks, with long distances between major cities and regional areas a defining feature of Australian life.
Despite being the smallest, Australia is a vast and diverse continent with a unique character and a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. Its size and isolation have shaped its environment, its people, and its place in the world, contributing to a strong national identity and a distinct position on the world stage. So, while it may be the smallest continent, Australia is certainly a giant in terms of its impact and its place in the hearts of those who call it home.
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It's the sixth-largest country
Australia is an extensive country, and its size is often surprising to many. Covering a total area of about 7.69 million square kilometers, it is the sixth-largest country in the world. To put this into perspective, it is comparable in size to the continent of Europe, which covers approximately 10.18 million square kilometers. Australia's landmass is substantial, and it occupies a significant portion of the Earth's surface. Its territory includes the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands within the Oceanic region.
The country's vast expanse offers a diverse range of landscapes and environments. From the tropical rainforests of Queensland to the arid outback of the Red Centre, and from the snowy mountains of Victoria to the pristine beaches along its expansive coastline, Australia's natural beauty is diverse and unique. This diversity is a result of the country's varying geography, which includes mountainous regions, vast plains, and desert areas. The Great Dividing Range, for example, is a significant mountain range that runs along the east coast, while the vast Outback encompasses much of the country's interior.
The size of Australia also becomes apparent when comparing it to other countries. For instance, it is more than 31 times larger than the United Kingdom and almost twice as large as India. Its land area is comparable to that of the contiguous United States, which, excluding Alaska, covers approximately 8.1 million square kilometers. Australia's closest neighbor, Indonesia, is less than one-third the size, covering around 1.9 million square kilometers.
Being the sixth-largest country, Australia's vast land area provides a sense of its significance on a global scale. This extensive landmass translates to a relatively small population density, with an average of just over 3 people per square kilometer. This highlights the country's vast open spaces and the potential for further development and exploration. The country's size also contributes to its varied climate, with tropical conditions in the north and a more temperate climate in the south, showcasing the diversity that exists within this vast nation.
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Australia is slightly smaller than the US
Australia has a land area of about 7.69 million square kilometers, while the United States, including its territories, has a total area of approximately 9.83 million square kilometers. This means that the US is around one-fifth larger than Australia. To put this into perspective, if we imagine the globe as a slightly flattened sphere, the US would cover just over 6.5% of its surface, while Australia would cover about 5.3%. While both countries are vast and diverse, with varying landscapes and climates, a direct comparison of their sizes reveals that Australia is indeed slightly smaller than the US.
Now, if we consider the contiguous United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, the land area is approximately 8.08 million square kilometers, which is quite close to Australia's size. This portion of the US stretches from the Canadian border in the north to the Mexican border in the south, and from the Pacific Coast in the west to the Atlantic Coast in the east. Many people often refer to this contiguous US when comparing land areas, as it represents the connected mainland territory.
The difference in size between the two countries becomes more apparent when we look at their respective populations. The US has a population of over 331 million people, while Australia's population is just over 25 million. This means that the US has a population density of approximately 36 people per square kilometer, while Australia's population density is roughly 3 people per square kilometer. So, despite its slightly smaller land area, Australia has a much lower population density when compared to the US.
Both countries have unique geographical features and landforms that contribute to their overall size and character. For example, Australia is known for its vast Outback, a remote and sparsely populated region that covers much of the country's interior. On the other hand, the US boasts a diverse landscape, from the dense urban centers of the East Coast to the wide-open spaces of the Midwest and the rugged mountain ranges out West. These geographical differences provide each country with distinct characteristics that go beyond mere size.
In conclusion, when comparing Australia and the US in terms of size, it is accurate to say that Australia is slightly smaller. However, this comparison also highlights the significance of population distribution and geographical diversity in shaping the character and perception of these two nations. The vast distances and varying landscapes within both countries offer a unique set of opportunities and challenges for their inhabitants.
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The country is a mix of states and territories
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, covering 7,688,287 square kilometres. The country is divided into six states and two internal territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. These states and territories are the second level of government in Australia. The states are partially sovereign, with their own constitutions, legislatures, executive governments, judiciaries, and law enforcement agencies.
The six federated states of Australia are New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island), Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania (including Macquarie Island), Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own distinctive features and attractions. For example, New South Wales boasts indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness, while Queensland is known for its subtropical climate, the Great Barrier Reef, and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Tasmania, an island state separated from mainland Australia, offers dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and picturesque rivers.
In addition to the six states, Australia has three internal territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. The Australian Capital Territory, home to the nation's capital, Canberra, blends nature and culture with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, national institutions, and monuments. The Northern Territory showcases quintessential Australia, featuring iconic landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture.
Australia also has seven external territories, including the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory, and Christmas Island. These territories are legally subordinate to the federal government, but they can be autonomous and administer local policies and programs.
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It accounts for 5% of the world's land area
Australia is an expansive country, and its size is often surprising to many. Covering approximately 7.69 million square kilometers, it is the sixth-largest country in the world by total area. To put this into perspective, if you were to imagine the world's land area as a pie chart, Australia would account for a substantial 5% slice. This percentage translates to a significant portion, especially when compared to other countries. Australia's landmass is comparable to that of the United States, which covers about 9.8 million square kilometers and accounts for about 6.6% of the world's land area.
Now, 5% of the world's land area may not seem like an extraordinarily large fraction, but when we consider the vastness of our planet, this percentage translates to an impressive size. To give you a better idea, Australia is not only a country but also a continent, and it is the smallest of the world's seven continents. Despite being the smallest continent, it is still remarkably large, with its land area exceeding that of the two smallest continents, Antarctica and Europe, combined.
This vast land down under is a result of Australia's unique geographical location and history. Being a part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, Australia broke away and moved north, eventually positioning itself in the southern hemisphere. Over millions of years, the Australian continent grew in size, with tectonic movements and volcanic activity contributing to its expansion. Today, Australia boasts an impressive range of landscapes, from its iconic red-earthed deserts to its tropical rainforests and vast coastal stretches.
The country's size also becomes evident when we consider its proximity to other nations. Australia is surrounded by ocean on all sides, with no land borders shared with any other country. This isolation has played a part in shaping Australia's unique flora and fauna, with the continent being known for its diverse and distinct ecosystems. The 5% land area that Australia occupies is home to an incredible array of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
So, the next time you hear that Australia accounts for 5% of the world's land area, remember that this percentage represents a substantial and significant portion. It is a country of vast distances, diverse environments, and a unique array of natural wonders, all of which contribute to its reputation as an intriguing and captivating place. This statistic also emphasizes the country's geographical importance and the potential it holds, be it for natural resources, ecological diversity, or future development.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia covers an area of about 7,686,850 sq km or 7,688,287 sq km.
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country after Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. It is slightly smaller than the United States.
Yes, Australia is bigger than Europe in terms of land area. Europe covers an area of about 6.1 million sq km if you exclude the European portion of Russia.
The five mainland states are New South Wales (801,600 sq km), Queensland (1,727,200 sq km), South Australia (984,000 sq km), Victoria (227,600 sq km), and Western Australia (2,525,500 sq km).
