Damon Mcknight
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It has a total area of about 7,688,287 square kilometres (approximately 2,968,464 square miles), making it the sixth-largest country in the world and the largest in Oceania. Australia is the smallest continental land mass, but it is the world's largest island.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land Area | 7,692,024 square kilometers |
| World Ranking | Sixth-largest country |
| Comparable Size | 50% larger than Europe and 32 times bigger than the United Kingdom |
| Population Density | 3.4 people per square kilometer, one of the lowest in the world |
| Coastline Length | Approximately 35,877 kilometers |
| Exclusive Economic Zone | 8,148,250 square kilometers |
| Time Zones | Three standard time zones |
| Highest Point | Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 meters |
| Lowest Point | Lake Eyre at 15 meters below sea level |
| Diverse Landscapes | Includes vast deserts, tropical rainforests, and mountainous regions |
| Unique Features | Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system; Kakadu National Park, Australia's biggest national park; and the Outback, a vast and sparsely populated interior region |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country
Australia is an extensive and diverse country, and its size is often surprising to many. Spanning a total area of approximately 7,692,030 square kilometers, Australia is indeed the world's sixth-largest country. This vast land mass encompasses a variety of landscapes, from arid deserts to tropical rainforests, and a lengthy coastline boasting some of the world's most iconic beaches. Despite its large size, the majority of the country is relatively flat, with mountainous regions found primarily along the eastern coast and in the island state of Tasmania.
To put Australia's size into perspective, it is slightly smaller than Brazil, which ranks as the fifth-largest country, and significantly larger than India, which comes in at seventh place. Australia's land area is comparable in size to that of the contiguous United States, although the US does have a larger total area when including Alaska and Hawaii. This ranking highlights the sheer scale of Australia, a country often known for its unique wildlife, vibrant cities, and rugged outback terrain.
The vast expanse of Australia is divided into six states and two major territories. These are Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, along with the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. Each of these regions offers its own unique attractions and natural wonders, from the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Northern Territory to the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne in New South Wales and Victoria, respectively.
Australia's large size also contributes to its varied climate, which ranges from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. The country's northern regions experience a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, while the southern areas, including cities like Melbourne and Adelaide, enjoy a more moderate climate with hot summers and cool winters. The size and diversity of Australia's landscape and climate offer visitors and residents alike a wealth of experiences to explore and enjoy.
Being the sixth-largest country in the world, Australia's vast expanse also translates to a relatively small population density. With a population of approximately 26 million people, Australia has a population density of just 3.4 people per square kilometer. This contrasts sharply with smaller countries that have much higher population densities, such as the tiny city-state of Singapore, which has a density of 8,358 people per square kilometer.
In conclusion, Australia's position as the world's sixth-largest country is a testament to its impressive size and geographic scope. With its vast landscapes, diverse climates, and unique natural wonders, Australia continues to captivate and inspire people from all walks of life, both within its borders and beyond. Its large land mass, relatively small population, and varied environments offer a range of opportunities and challenges, shaping the Australian experience and contributing to its global significance.
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It accounts for 5% of the world's land area
Australia is a large country, covering 7,688,287 square kilometres (or 2,968,464 square miles). This makes it the sixth-largest country in the world by area, after Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. Despite its size, Australia accounts for just 5% of the world's land area.
Australia is the smallest continental land mass, but it is the world's largest island. It is also the flattest and driest inhabited continent. Australia's population density is 3.4 persons per square kilometre, which makes it one of the most sparsely populated countries globally. About 95% of the population lives within 100 km of the coast, with a large concentration in cities along the temperate south-eastern coastline.
The continent of Australia includes the mainland, Tasmania, the island of New Guinea, the Aru Islands, the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and most of the Coral Sea Islands, among other nearby islands. Australia has the third-largest exclusive economic zone, which covers 8,148,250 square kilometres. This does not include the Australian Antarctic Territory, which adds another 5,896,500 square kilometres.
Australia has a varied landscape, with deserts in the interior and tropical rainforests along the coast. The Great Dividing Range, or Eastern Highlands, lie near the eastern coast, separating the narrow eastern coastal plain from the rest of the continent. The Central Lowlands, which include the Great Artesian Basin and Australia's largest river systems, lie between the Eastern Highlands and the Western Plateau.
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Australia is the smallest continent
Australia is sometimes referred to as Oceania, which includes New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, and other islands in the Central and South Pacific. However, the continent of Australia includes the nation of Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the island nation of New Zealand. Australia is also known as the Commonwealth of Australia and comprises six states and ten territories.
Australia is the world's flattest and driest inhabited continent. It is highly urbanised, with 67% of the population living in metropolitan areas. The population is heavily concentrated on the east coast, particularly in the south-eastern region between South East Queensland and Adelaide. Australia has a population density of 3.4 persons per square kilometre, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries globally.
While Australia is the smallest continent, it is nearly four times larger than Greenland, which is considered the world's largest island. Australia's status as a continent is supported by geological, biological, and anthropological distinctions.
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It has the third-largest exclusive economic zone
Australia is an extensive country with a total land area of about 7.69 million square kilometres. To put that into perspective, it's comparable in size to the entire continent of Europe or the United States of America. But what truly sets Australia apart is its maritime reach. With its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Australia lays claim to an ocean area of roughly 13.86 million square kilometres. This massive zone is considered the third-largest in the world, falling behind only the United States and France. An EEZ is a designated area that extends 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometres) from a country's coastline, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Within this zone, a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind.
Australia's EEZ encompasses a diverse range of marine environments, from the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the temperate seas of the southern coast and the rich fishing grounds further south. The zone includes the seas surrounding mainland Australia and its external territories, such as Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean, and Norfolk Island between Australia and New Zealand. The EEZ also extends to the seas around the Australian Antarctic Territory, although this area is subject to the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty System, which preserves the region for peaceful purposes and scientific research.
The vast size of Australia's EEZ provides the country with significant opportunities for resource exploration and economic development. It also presents challenges in terms of management and conservation. Australia has a responsibility to ensure the sustainable use of its marine resources, which includes balancing economic interests with environmental protection. This has led to the implementation of various conservation measures, such as the establishment of marine parks and sanctuaries, where human activities are regulated to protect sensitive ecosystems and endangered species.
Australia's EEZ is also a subject of geopolitical interest and has played a role in the country's international relations. Australia has entered into treaties and agreements with its neighbouring countries to establish clear maritime boundaries and resolve any potential disputes over ocean territories. These agreements are essential in maintaining peaceful relations and promoting cooperation in the region. The size and importance of Australia's EEZ are often overlooked when considering the country's global standing. With its extensive ocean territories, Australia has a unique opportunity to contribute to the exploration and conservation of our oceans, influencing not only its domestic policies but also global discussions and initiatives regarding marine environments.
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Australia has a population density of 3.4 people per square kilometre
Australia is a large country, covering 7,688,287 square kilometres, and it is the sixth-largest country in the world. Despite its size, Australia's population density is low, at 3.4 people per square kilometre. This makes Australia the third least densely populated country in the world, after Namibia and Mongolia. To put this into perspective, the world average for living close to coastlines is 39%, while in Australia, about 95% of the population lives within 100 km of the coast.
The population of Australia is estimated to be 27,836,700 as of 22 May 2025, and it is the 54th most populous country globally. The population is heavily concentrated on the east coast, particularly in the south-eastern region between South East Queensland and Adelaide. Australia is highly urbanised, with 67% of the population living in metropolitan areas in 2018. The most populous cities are Sydney and Melbourne, each with over five million people.
The low population density in Australia is partly due to its geography and history. Australia is the world's driest inhabited continent, with deserts in the interior and tropical rainforests along the coast. The country has experienced multiple waves of immigration, with the European component's share of the population rising and then falling over time. The Indigenous Australian population at the time of British colonisation in 1788 was estimated to be between 300,000 and 2,400,000.
The low population density in Australia has implications for the country's infrastructure and development. With a large land area and a dispersed population, providing services and maintaining connections between communities can be challenging. However, the country also has a high urbanisation rate, which may help centralise resources and improve efficiency. Australia's low population density also contributes to its unique cultural and natural environment, offering vast open spaces and diverse landscapes for its residents and visitors to explore.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is about 7,688,287 square kilometers or 3 million square miles.
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and the largest in Oceania. It is nearly four times as large as Greenland. Australia is the smallest of the seven continents.
Australia has a population density of 3.4 to 3.5 persons per square kilometer, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
