Leslie Massey
Australia is a large country, ranking as the sixth-largest in the world by area. It is slightly smaller than the United States, covering approximately 7.7 million square kilometres or 1.9 billion acres. Australia is the planet's largest island, consisting of the mainland Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, numerous smaller offshore islands, and remote offshore territories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total land area in square kilometers | 7,686,850 sq km (approx. 7.7 million sq km) |
| Total land area in square miles | 2,967,909 sq mi |
| Total land area in hectares | 768,685,000 hectares |
| Total land area in acres | 1,900,000,000 acres (approx. 1.9 billion acres) |
| Acres used for agriculture | 385 million acres |
| World ranking by area | 6th largest country |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country
The country consists of the mainland Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, numerous smaller offshore islands, and the remote offshore territories of Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Australia's size is comparable to that of the United States, its closest neighbour across the Pacific Ocean, which is only slightly larger.
The vast majority of Australia's land area is uninhabitable or unsuitable for agriculture due to factors such as desertification or rugged terrain. Deserts and xeric shrublands cover about 70% of the mainland, and it is estimated that only around 385 million acres of land are used for agriculture, including grazing and crop production. Despite this, Australia has a diverse range of flora and fauna, with about 10% of the world's known plant species and reptile species found in the country.
Australia has a federal form of government, with a national government for the Commonwealth of Australia and individual state governments for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The country has a strong Anglo-Celtic cultural orientation, which has been transformed by immigration from across the world, particularly from Asia in the 21st century.
Airlines' Long-Haul Secrets: Seattle to Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It has around 1.9 billion acres of land
Australia is a large country, the planet's sixth-largest to be precise. It accounts for just five percent of the world's land area, although it is the smallest continental land mass, it is the largest island in the world. Australia has a total land area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers, which is equivalent to about 1.9 billion acres.
To put this into perspective, deserts and xeric shrublands cover about 70% of the mainland. This means that a significant portion of the country is not suitable for human habitation or agriculture. In fact, it is estimated that only around 385 million acres of land in Australia are used for farming, including grazing and crop production. This is due to factors such as desertification and rugged terrain, which make large swaths of the country inaccessible or unusable for these purposes.
Despite these challenges, Australia has a diverse range of plant and animal life. About 10% of the world's known plant species are found in Australia, many of which have adapted to the arid climate, variable rainfall, and nutrient-poor soil. Acacia, banksia, and eucalypts are just a few examples of plants that have thrived in these conditions.
In addition to its plant life, Australia is also home to a wide variety of animal species. Marsupials, in particular, have found a haven in this country, with about two-thirds of the world's 330 species of marsupials native to Australia. Australian placental mammals, bats, rats, and mice also make up almost 47% of the world's land mammal species.
Gold Rate in Australia: Current Price and Trends
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
385 million acres are used for agriculture
Australia, the sixth-largest country in the world by total area, encompasses approximately 2.97 billion acres of land. Of these vast expanses, a significant portion contributes to the country's thriving agricultural sector. An impressive 385 million acres, or roughly 13%, of Australia's total land area, is dedicated to agriculture. This equates to an area larger than the entire country of Mexico.
The agricultural landscape of Australia is incredibly diverse, ranging from expansive grazing lands to irrigated croplands. The country boasts approximately 165 million acres of pastureland, providing ample space for livestock grazing. This includes vast areas dedicated to beef and dairy cattle, as well as sheep farming, all of which are integral to Australia's agricultural economy.
In addition to grazing lands, Australia has approximately 53 million acres of land dedicated to crop production. This includes a diverse range of crops, from wheat and other grains to fruits, vegetables, and cotton. The country's varied climate zones allow for a wide variety of agricultural produce, catering to both domestic consumption and export markets.
The irrigation sector in Australia is also significant, with around 2.4 million acres of land equipped for irrigation. This allows for the cultivation of water-intensive crops and supports the production of key agricultural exports, such as rice and cotton. The ability to irrigate land has been instrumental in the development of certain agricultural regions and has contributed to the country's reputation as a reliable producer of diverse commodities.
The 385 million acres dedicated to agriculture in Australia are a testament to the country's strong focus on this sector. The efficient utilization of this land has positioned Australia as a major player in global agricultural markets. The country's agricultural output is renowned worldwide, and its ability to sustainably manage such a large area of land is a notable achievement. This vast expanse of agricultural land has not only shaped Australia's economy but also played a pivotal role in shaping its cultural identity.
Travel Distance: Toronto to Perth, Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Australia is slightly smaller than the US
Australia has a total area of about 2.97 billion acres, which is indeed slightly smaller than the United States. To put this into perspective, if you were to imagine Australia and the US as vast estates, the US estate would have a slightly larger acreage, leaving Australia a tad smaller. This difference in size is not substantial, but it is noticeable when comparing these two expansive nations.
Now, picture the US estate as a rectangular plot of land, stretching across the continent. It covers an area of approximately 3.8 billion acres, making it just a bit roomier than Australia. On the other hand, the Australian estate, with its 2.97 billion acres, would be comparable to a slightly smaller plot of land, perhaps with a few less rooms or open spaces.
This difference in size becomes more apparent when we consider the individual states. For instance, the state of Alaska in the US, with its vast wilderness, is substantially larger than any single Australian state or territory. In fact, Alaska alone is almost double the size of the entire Northern Territory in Australia. So, within these vast nations, there are also variations in the size of their constituent parts.
However, it's worth noting that while the US has a larger total area, Australia is not far behind and possesses a unique shape and distribution of land. Australia is famously wide and relatively empty in its central regions, with a long coastline that gives it an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) almost equal to that of the US. So, while the US may have a slightly larger acreage, Australia makes exceptional use of its space, with a diverse range of landscapes and a remarkable variety of ecosystems.
In summary, when we say that Australia is slightly smaller than the US, we are referring to the total land area or acreage of these nations. The US has a slight edge in terms of size, but Australia boasts its own impressive dimensions and a distinct geographical character. This comparison provides an interesting perspective on the global landscape and the diverse range of territories that make up our planet.
Zombie Series 'The Walking Dead' Rated in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It has 7,686,850 sq km of land
Australia is a large country, covering 7,686,850 square kilometres of land. This is equivalent to 768,685,000 hectares or about 1.9 billion acres. To put this into perspective, Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world after Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. It accounts for just five percent of the world's land area, and although it is the smallest continental land mass, it is the largest island.
Australia's land area is so large that it is almost impossible to comprehend. To give you a better idea, let's compare it to other countries and units of measurement. Firstly, Australia is about the same size as the United States, which is impressive considering the US consists of 50 states. Australia, on the other hand, only has six states and two territories.
Another way to understand the vastness of Australia is to look at its agricultural land. It is estimated that around 385 million acres of land in Australia are used for agriculture, including grazing and crop production. This is a significant amount, yet it only accounts for a small portion of Australia's total land area.
Lastly, let's not forget the unique geography of Australia. Deserts and xeric shrublands cover about 70% of the mainland, and the country has a diverse range of plant and animal life. So, while Australia has a substantial land area, not all of it is habitable or suitable for agriculture due to factors such as desertification or rugged terrain.
Snail Delicacy: Australia's Take on Stuffed Snail
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia has a land area of approximately 1.9 billion acres.
Australia covers an area of 2,967,909 sq mi.
Australia is 7,686,850 sq km or 7,688,287 sq km according to another source.
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world after Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. It is larger than India, Argentina, and Kazakhstan.
Australia accounts for about 5% of the world's land area.
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![2 Pack - World Map Poster & USA Map Chart [Tan/Color] (LAMINATED, 18” x 29”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1aLNThapcS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
