Damon Mcknight
Australia is a large country, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, and is the sixth-largest in the world by total area. It comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Australia has a diverse landscape and climate, ranging from tropical rainforests in the northeast and northwest to arid deserts in the center. Its population of almost 28 million is highly urbanized, with most people living in towns and cities along the coast, particularly on the eastern seaboard, where the country's two most populous cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are located.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 28 million (including 18.6 million born in Australia) |
| Population growth | 146,000 increase since June 2023 |
| Top countries of birth (excluding Australia) | England (964,000), India (916,000), China (700,000), New Zealand (618,000) |
| Proportion born overseas | 29.3% nationally as of 30 June 2021 |
| Most populous cities | Sydney and Melbourne (over 5 million each) |
| Area | 7,688,287 km² (2,968,464 sq mi) |
| Global rank by area | Sixth-largest country |
| Continent | Smallest continent |
| Diversity of landscapes and climates | Includes rainforests, deserts, and semi-arid regions |
| Forest cover | 17% of land area |
| Average height | 325 metres (1,066 ft) |
| Coastline | 35,877 km (22,293 mi) |
| Exclusive economic zone | 8,148,250 km² (3,146,060 sq mi) |
| Natural resources | Abundant |
| Economy | Highly developed, one of the highest per capita incomes globally |
| Quality of life | High |
| Military expenditure | Thirteenth-highest in the world |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world
Australia is a large country, the sixth-largest in the world by total area. It comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Australia is the world's flattest and driest inhabited continent, with an average annual rainfall of 470 millimetres (19 inches). The Australian mainland is relatively flat, with an average height of 325 metres (1,066 feet).
The country has a total area of 7,688,287 square kilometres (2,968,464 square miles). It has a coastline of 35,877 kilometres (22,293 miles), excluding all offshore islands. Australia also claims an exclusive economic zone of 8,148,250 square kilometres (3,146,060 square miles). The Great Dividing Range runs along most of eastern Australia, dividing the central lowlands from the eastern highlands.
The Australian climate varies from wet tropical in the northeast and northwest to arid in the centre. The coastal south is temperate and humid, with winter freezing and snow in the southeastern highlands and Tasmania. The climate is influenced by Australia's position in the "horse latitudes", which brings arid conditions. The country also experiences unusual variability in rainfall, leading to frequent droughts and flooding.
Australia is a highly urbanised country, with a population of almost 28 million. Its most populous cities are Sydney and Melbourne, each with over five million people. Nearly all Australians live in towns and cities along the coast, with large waves and beaches attracting thousands of people on hot summer days.
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Most Australians live in towns or cities near the sea
Australia is a big country, but most Australians live in towns and cities near the sea. Over two-thirds of the population live in just five cities, and 85% of Australians live within 50 km of the coast. The country's big cities are all along the coast.
The concentration of the population in coastal areas has resulted in a unique cultural phenomenon known as "surfing." On hot summer days, thousands of people flock to the beaches to ride the waves. Surfing originated in Hawaii hundreds of years ago when men swam out to sea to catch fish and discovered they could return to land swiftly by riding the waves. Initially, they used their bodies, but eventually, they started using boards.
Despite the country's vast size, the majority of Australians choose to reside in a limited number of coastal locations. This pattern has led to a discussion on the implications for infrastructure and the potential for developing inland areas. Some have suggested creating an inland sea to boost rainfall and make the interior more habitable, but such proposals have not progressed beyond the planning stage.
The reasons for this uneven distribution of the population are complex and likely multifaceted. One possible explanation is the appeal of coastal living, with its associated lifestyle and recreational activities, such as surfing. Additionally, the concentration of people in a few cities may be due to the availability of infrastructure and services, as well as employment opportunities.
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Australia is a megadiverse country with varied landscapes and climates
Australia is a megadiverse country, meaning it is one of the most biologically rich countries in the world. The country is home to between 600,000 and 700,000 species, accounting for 9.6% of all species known to man. 84% of plant species, 83% of mammals, and 45% of birds are endemic, or unique to Australia. The country's isolated island location and low rainfall have resulted in the highest reptile diversity in the world, with 89-93% of species found nowhere else.
The kangaroo, koala, platypus, wombat, echidna, kookaburra, and emu are well-known symbols of Australia, but the country is also home to less recognized endemic fauna such as freshwater crocodiles, various turtle species, and unique lizards and marsupials.
Australia's landscape is diverse and varied, with a large range of different geographical landforms and physical features. The country can be divided into four major landform regions: the Coastal Plains, the Eastern Highlands, the Central Lowlands, and the Western Plateau. These landform regions have been shaped by movements in the Earth's crust, river erosion, and changes in climate and sea level.
Australia is relatively flat, low-lying, and dry compared to other continents. Its big cities are all located along the coast, and despite its vast size, nearly all Australians live near the sea. On hot summer days, thousands of people flock to the beaches, where surfing is a popular activity.
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Australia is a highly urbanised country with a high quality of life
Australia is a highly urbanised country, with more than 96% of its population (approximately 24.5 million people) living in urban areas. Of these, 68% reside within the greater metropolitan areas of the country's eight capital cities. This makes Australia one of the most urbanised countries in the world. The high degree of urbanisation in Australia is reflected in the high quality of life enjoyed by its citizens.
Australian cities are consistently ranked among the world's most liveable, offering a range of benefits that contribute to the overall well-being of their residents. These advantages include improved health, higher living standards, enhanced community and social cohesion, increased security and safety, greater freedom, and better access to rights and cultural fulfilment. The country's urban centres also provide opportunities for social connection and civic engagement, which positively impact the lives of Australians.
The quality of education in Australia is also commendable, with 84% of adults aged 25-64 having completed upper secondary education. This rate is higher than the OECD average of 79%, indicating that the country is successfully preparing its students to meet the minimum requirements of the job market. Furthermore, Australian cities boast a positive trend towards increasing green cover, which provides spaces for physical activity and contact with nature, contributing to the overall health and well-being of citizens.
In addition to the environmental initiatives within cities, the Australian government has implemented measures to reduce the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector. The Emissions Reduction Fund incentivises companies to adopt smarter practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This fund provides financial incentives for projects that achieve maximum emission reductions at the lowest cost, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of citizens.
Overall, Australia's high degree of urbanisation is closely linked to the high quality of life experienced by its citizens. The country's urban centres offer a range of social, economic, and environmental benefits that contribute to the well-being and satisfaction of the Australian population.
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Australia has the world's driest inhabited continent
Australia is indeed a large country, and it is also the world's driest inhabited continent. With a total land area of approximately 7.69 million square kilometers, it is the sixth-largest country in the world by area. However, much of this vast landscape is arid or semi-arid, making it uniquely challenging for human habitation.
The aridity of the Australian continent is largely due to its geographical location and climate. Being surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia is relatively isolated from the moisture-laden air masses that bring rainfall to other continents. The dominant climate system in Australia is shaped by its position in the middle of a band of subtropical high-pressure belts, which results in stable, sinking air and a lack of rainfall for much of the year.
About 70% of the country's rainfall occurs in the narrow coastal region, with the eastern ranges receiving the highest rainfall. The interior, known as the Outback, is extremely dry, with vast deserts and semi-arid regions. The arid zone covers more than one-third of the Australian landmass and includes the Great Victoria, Gibson, and Great Sandy Deserts, among others. These regions experience extremely high temperatures, low and unpredictable rainfall, and prolonged droughts, making them some of the most inhospitable places on Earth.
Despite these challenges, humans have inhabited Australia for tens of thousands of years. The Indigenous Australians, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, have a deep connection to the land and have developed unique cultural practices and knowledge to survive and thrive in these harsh conditions. European colonization, which began in the late 18th century, brought new challenges as settlers attempted to adapt their agricultural practices to the dry continent, often with detrimental ecological consequences.
Today, water scarcity remains a critical issue in Australia, and the country has implemented various strategies to manage its water resources sustainably. These include water recycling and reuse, desalination plants, and strict water restrictions during periods of drought. The unique climate of Australia also presents opportunities for innovation and research in areas such as drought-tolerant agriculture and water-efficient technologies.
In conclusion, Australia's distinction as the world's driest inhabited continent is a defining characteristic that shapes its environment, human habitation, and cultural practices. The continent's aridity presents both challenges and opportunities, influencing everything from its natural ecosystems to its economic and social development. Understanding and adapting to these unique conditions are essential for the sustainable management of Australia's environment and resources.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia is a big country. It is the sixth-largest country in the world and the largest in Oceania, with a total area of 7,688,287 square kilometres (2,968,464 square miles).
Australia has a population of almost 28 million people. It has one of the highest foreign-born populations in the world, with 29.3% of its residents born overseas as of 2021.
The capital of Australia is Canberra.
Australia is a megadiverse country with a wide variety of landscapes and climates, including tropical rainforests along the coast and deserts in the interior. It is the world's flattest and driest inhabited continent, with an average annual rainfall of 470 millimetres (19 inches).
Australia has one of the highest per capita incomes globally and is known for its high quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, civil liberties, and political rights. It is a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, comprising six states and ten territories.
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