Leslie Massey
Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km, while North America is approximately 24,230,000 sq km, making Australia around 31.95% the size of North America. To put it into perspective, travelling from Sydney to Perth in Australia is about the same distance as travelling from New York to Los Angeles in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land Area | North America: 24,709,000 km² (9,540,000 sq mi) Australia: 7,692,030 km² (2,969,907 sq mi) |
| World Ranking | North America: 3rd largest continent Australia: 6th largest continent |
| Countries Included | North America: 23 recognized countries Australia: 1 country (Australia) |
| Population | North America: Approximately 594 million Australia: Approximately 26 million |
| Time Zones | North America: 6 standard time zones Australia: 3 standard time zones |
| Largest Cities | North America: Mexico City (21.3 million), New York City (8.5 million) Australia: Sydney (5.3 million), Melbourne (5 million) |
| Highest Points | North America: Denali (6,190 m) Australia: Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m) |
| Lowest Points | North America: Death Valley (-86 m) Australia: Lake Eyre (-15 m) |
| Major Landforms | North America: Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, Mexican Desert Australia: Great Barrier Reef, Australian Alps, Simpson Desert |
| Climate | North America: Varies from tropical in the south to arctic in the north Australia: Mostly desert or semi-arid, tropical in the north |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is about 32% the size of North America
The difference in size is also notable when comparing individual states or territories. For example, Queensland (QLD) in Australia is bigger than most countries, and Western Australia (WA) is known for its vast distances between towns. In contrast, North America encompasses diverse landscapes and regions, from the dense cities of the East Coast to the sprawling deserts of the Southwest.
The size discrepancy becomes evident when considering the travel times and distances within each region. In Australia, the distance from Cairns to Brisbane is longer than from Brisbane to Melbourne. Similarly, driving from Melbourne to Brisbane only covers half the distance to Cairns, showcasing the country's sheer size. In contrast, North America boasts its own impressive distances, with certain provinces spanning over 2,000 km, comparable to the vast expanse of Western Australia.
Despite Australia's smaller size relative to North America, it is worth noting that mainland Australia is slightly larger than the Continental US, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. This comparison provides a more nuanced perspective on the size of these regions.
In summary, Australia is approximately 32% the size of North America, highlighting the significant size difference between the two regions. This disparity is further accentuated by differences in population density and travel distances, offering a unique perspective on the geographical characteristics of Australia and North America.
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Australia is slightly bigger than the Continental US
Australia is about 32% the size of North America, making it slightly bigger than the continental US. To put it into perspective, travelling from Sydney to Perth in Australia is about the same distance as travelling from New York to Los Angeles in the US.
The size of mainland Australia is about the same as the continental US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). While North America has a total area of approximately 24,230,000 sq km, Australia spans roughly 7,741,220 sq km. This means that Australia is around 31.95% the size of North America.
Despite being slightly smaller than Australia, the US has a significantly larger population. Australia's population is around 27 million, similar to the population of the state of Texas, which has about 30 million people.
The vast distances within Australia can be surprising, even for those accustomed to long distances. For example, the distance from Cairns to Brisbane is longer than from Brisbane to Melbourne. Driving from Melbourne to Brisbane only takes you halfway to Cairns, and Cairns is actually closer to New Caledonia than to Melbourne.
The perception of distance in Australia can also differ from that in the US. In Australia, a three-hour drive between major cities may be considered relatively close, whereas in the US, a three-hour drive might be seen as a significant distance.
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Sydney to Perth is like New York to LA
Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km, while North America is about 24,230,000 sq km, making Australia around 31.95% the size of North America. To put this into perspective, the distance between Sydney and Perth on Australia's east and west coasts is about 3,284 kilometres or 2,040.6 miles. This distance is comparable to that between New York and Los Angeles, which is roughly 3,936 kilometres or 2,457.65 miles.
The flight time from Perth to Sydney is approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes, while the flight time between New York and Los Angeles is about 5 hours and 9 minutes. The driving distance from Sydney to Perth is 2433.5 miles (3916.3 kilometres), with an estimated driving time of approximately 46 hours and 2 minutes. While there is no direct comparison for a road trip between New York and Los Angeles, the distance by road is likely to be shorter than that between Sydney and Perth.
Sydney and Perth are two of Australia's most well-known cities, much like New York and Los Angeles in the United States. The vast distances between these cities in both countries highlight the significant size differences between Australia and North America. When planning a trip to either country, it is important to consider the travel times and connections, especially in Australia, where the infrastructure may not support the same frequency of transport options as in the US.
Both the east and west coasts of Australia and North America boast vibrant cities, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. However, the sheer size of these continents means that travellers should be mindful of the distances between destinations and plan their trips accordingly. Whether exploring the urban centres of Sydney and New York or adventuring along the coastal roads of Perth and Los Angeles, each location offers a distinct perspective on the countries' natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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Australia's population is much smaller
Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km, while North America is approximately 24,230,000 sq km. This makes Australia around 31.95% the size of North America. Despite being significantly smaller in terms of land mass, Australia's population is much smaller than that of North America. Australia has a population of about 27 million people, which is comparable to the population of the single US state of Texas, which has about 30 million people.
The smaller population of Australia can be attributed to various factors, including historical and geographical differences between the two regions. Australia has a unique geographic position, being an island continent isolated from other major landmasses. This isolation has likely played a role in shaping the country's population growth over time.
In contrast, North America, and the United States in particular, has historically been a hub for immigration, with people arriving from all over the world in search of new opportunities. This influx of immigrants has significantly contributed to the population growth in the region. Additionally, the proximity of North American countries to other highly populated regions, such as Central and South America, may have also influenced their population size.
The lower population density in Australia can also be attributed to its vast land area and relatively smaller urban centres compared to some of the larger cities in North America. Australia's land area is comparable in size to the continental United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), yet its population is significantly smaller. This results in a more dispersed population, with longer distances between major cities and urban centres.
The population distribution in Australia is heavily skewed towards the eastern coast, with the majority of the population concentrated in a handful of large cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In contrast, the vast interior regions, including the Outback, have very low population densities. This uneven distribution of the population can create unique challenges for infrastructure development and transportation networks, as the large distances between populated areas need to be considered when planning travel itineraries.
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QLD is bigger than most countries
Queensland (QLD) is a state in northeastern Australia, and is the second-largest and third-most populous of the Australian states. It covers an area of 1,723,030 square kilometres (665,270 sq mi), making it the world's sixth-largest subnational entity. In fact, it is larger than all countries in the world except for 16.
Due to its size, Queensland has diverse geographical features and climates. It includes tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, and white sandy beaches in its tropical and subtropical coastal regions. Queensland is nicknamed the "Sunshine State" for its tropical and subtropical climates, Great Barrier Reef, and numerous beaches. The state has also experienced rapid population growth through "sunbelt" migration to its attractive coastal regions.
Queensland's landscapes also include deserts and savannas in its semi-arid and desert climatic regions. The state's interior experiences the most prolonged summer heat, while the southern interior and highlands have cooler winters, with a frost period of up to 100 days. The highest official maximum temperature recorded in the state was 49.5 °C (121.1 °F) at Birdsville Police Station on December 24, 1972.
In addition to its size, Queensland has a significant economic presence, with the third-largest economy among Australian states. The state's strengths lie in mining, agriculture, transportation, international education, insurance, and banking. Tourism is also vital to Queensland's economy, with many tourists drawn to its natural attractions and pleasant climate.
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Frequently asked questions
North America is approximately 24,230,000 sq km, while Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km, making Australia about 31.95% the size of North America.
Australia is bigger than the continental USA (lower 48 states).
Queensland (QLD) in Australia is bigger than most countries.
Australia's population of 27 million is similar to that of the state of Texas, which has about 30 million people.
Due to its smaller population and infrastructure, Australia cannot support the same frequency of travel between destinations as North America. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of travel times and connections when planning a trip to Australia.
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