
Australia and the United States of America are often compared in terms of size, with some sources stating that Australia is slightly bigger than the continental US. However, this comparison does not include Alaska, America's largest state. In terms of square kilometers, the United States is approximately 9,833,517 sq km, while Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km, making the United States around 27% larger than Australia. Additionally, the population of the United States is significantly higher, with 311.2 million more people than Australia's population of about 27 million.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size of Australia | 7,688,287 sq km or 7,741,220 sq km |
| Size of the US | 9,833,517 sq km |
| Difference in size | The US is 27% larger than Australia |
| Population of Australia | 26.1 million or 27 million |
| Population of the US | 338.3 million |
| Distance from Sydney to Perth | Similar to the distance from New York to Los Angeles |
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What You'll Learn

Australia is 27% smaller than the US
Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km, while the United States is approximately 9,833,517 sq km. This makes the US 27% larger than Australia.
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, after Russia, Canada, China, the US, and Brazil. The US is the fourth-largest country in the world, with only Russia, Canada, and China being bigger in terms of area.
Despite the difference in size, travelling from Sydney to Perth in Australia (from the East Coast to the West Coast) is about the same as travelling from New York to Los Angeles in the US. However, it is worth noting that Australia's population is significantly less than that of the US. Australia has a population of about 27 million people, while the state of Texas alone in the US has about 30 million people.
In terms of geographical size, Australia is larger than many people think. Some sources state that mainland Australia is a little bigger than the Continental US (the lower 48 states). However, there is still a difference of roughly 2 million square miles between the two countries.
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The US has a larger population
Australia and the US are comparable in size, with Australia being slightly larger than the continental US. However, when it comes to population, the US has a significantly larger population than Australia.
Australia has a population of approximately 26.1 million to 27 million people. In contrast, the US population is estimated to be around 311.2 million, more than ten times that of Australia. To put it into perspective, the entire population of Australia is similar to the population of a single US state, such as Texas, which has approximately 30 million people.
The difference in population size between the two countries can be attributed to various factors, including historical and geographical factors. The US has a more extensive history of immigration, with people from all over the world migrating to the country over centuries. As a result, the US is known as a "nation of immigrants," with a diverse population comprising individuals of various ethnic, cultural, and racial backgrounds. On the other hand, Australia has a smaller population, which may be due in part to its geographic isolation and smaller land mass available for habitation.
The disparity in population size has implications for infrastructure and transportation in the two countries. The US, with its larger population, has a more extensive and developed transportation network, including highways, rest stops, and frequent flights, ferries, trains, and buses between destinations. In contrast, Australia's lower population density may result in less frequent transportation options and longer travel times between destinations, as the country's infrastructure is designed to cater to a smaller number of people.
The difference in population size between the US and Australia also affects their respective cultural, economic, and social landscapes. The US, with its vast population, is known for its diverse and vibrant cultural scene, with numerous cities known for their unique cultural offerings. The country's large population also contributes to its economic might, with a vast domestic market and a skilled workforce. Australia, despite its smaller population, also boasts a robust economy and a high quality of life, with its smaller population allowing for a more focused development of infrastructure and services.
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Australia is the world's largest island
Australia is often considered a continent, and not an island, as it is already a continent in itself. However, if we were to consider Australia an island, it would be the largest in the world. This is because Australia is nearly four times the size of Greenland, which is often considered the world's largest island.
In terms of size, Australia is larger than most people think. It is about 2 million square miles bigger than the continental US (lower 48 states). To put it into perspective, travelling from Sydney to Perth in Australia is about the same as travelling from New York to Los Angeles in the US.
Despite this, the US has a much larger population than Australia. The whole of Australia has about the same number of people as the state of Texas. This means that, from an infrastructure standpoint, Australia cannot support the same frequency of flights, ferries, trains, and buses as the US.
In conclusion, Australia is often considered a continent and not an island. However, if we were to consider it an island, it would be the largest in the world due to its size.
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The distance from Sydney to Perth is similar to New York to LA
The distance between Sydney and Perth in Australia is comparable to the distance between New York and Los Angeles in the United States. Specifically, the distance between Sydney and Perth is around 3,284 to 3,290 kilometres or 2,040.6 to 2,044.59 miles. The flight time between these two Australian cities is approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes to 5 hours and 5 minutes. Meanwhile, the distance between New York and Los Angeles is approximately 3,936 kilometres or 2,446 miles.
When comparing the sizes of Australia and the US, it is important to note that mainland Australia is slightly larger than the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). The east-to-west distance across Australia is around 5,030 kilometres, while the same distance across the continental US is about 4,668 kilometres.
Despite the similar distances between Sydney and Perth and New York and Los Angeles, the time it takes to fly between these cities differs significantly. The flight time between Sydney and Perth is shorter than that between New York and Los Angeles, which is typically around 5 to 6 hours. This difference in flight time can be attributed to various factors, including aircraft speed, wind conditions, and the specific route taken.
Additionally, it is worth considering the population differences between the two countries. Australia has a population of about 27 million people, while the US has a population of over 331 million. This means that Australia has a much lower population density, impacting the availability and frequency of transportation options.
In summary, while the distances between Sydney and Perth in Australia and New York and Los Angeles in the US are comparable, there are differences in flight times and other factors due to variations in geography, infrastructure, and population between the two countries.
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The US is the fourth largest country
The United States is the fourth-largest country in the world, with a total area of approximately 9,833,517 square kilometres. In comparison, Australia, the sixth-largest country, covers approximately 7,741,220 square kilometres. This makes the US around 27% larger than Australia.
While the US is larger than Australia, it is worth noting that the size difference is not as significant as one might assume. In fact, some sources claim that mainland Australia is only slightly bigger than the contiguous US, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. This comparison is based on the distance between the easternmost and westernmost points of the two countries, which are roughly 5,030 km and 4,668 km, respectively.
The perception of each country's size may also be influenced by their populations. The US has a population of approximately 331.2 million people, while Australia's population is approximately 26.1 million. This means that the US has over twelve times the population density of Australia, which can impact the perception of spatial vastness.
Furthermore, the shape and orientation of the two countries may also contribute to their perceived size difference. Australia, being more elongated, has a greater distance between its east and west coasts than the US. This can create the impression that Australia is significantly larger when, in reality, the difference in land area is relatively modest.
In conclusion, while the US is indeed the fourth-largest country in the world, its size in comparison to Australia is not vastly different. The two countries are comparable in terms of land area, with the US being only slightly larger, and their perceived size difference may be influenced by factors such as population distribution and geographical orientation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, America is bigger than Australia. The United States is approximately 9,833,517 sq km, while Australia is approximately 7,741,220 sq km. This makes the United States 27% larger than Australia.
The US has a population of 311.2 million people, while Australia has a population of about 27 million people.
Travel times in Australia are much longer than in the US due to the lack of infrastructure and the vast distances between destinations. For example, travelling from Sydney to Perth in Australia is about the same as travelling from New York to Los Angeles in the US.
No, Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world after Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil.







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