Leslie Massey
Australia is a large country—it is the sixth-largest in the world by total area, spanning 7,688,287 square kilometres (2,968,464 square miles). This makes it roughly the same size as the continental United States. Australia is the smallest continent and is sometimes considered the largest island in the world. It is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor Seas. The country has a diverse range of landscapes and climates, from tropical rainforests in the northeast and northwest to arid and semi-arid regions in the centre, covering 70% of the country.
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What You'll Learn
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world
The Australian mainland extends from west to east for nearly 2,500 miles (4,000 km) and from the Cape York Peninsula in the northeast to Wilsons Promontory in the southeast for nearly 2,000 miles (3,200 km). The country has a 35,877 km (22,293 mi) coastline, excluding all offshore islands, and claims an exclusive economic zone of 8,148,250 square kilometres (3,146,060 sq mi).
Australia is a highly diverse country, both in terms of its landscapes and its people. It has a wide variety of landscapes, including tropical rainforests along the coast, deserts in the interior, and the Great Barrier Reef—the world's largest coral reef, which extends for more than 2,300 km (1,400 mi). The country is also home to unique flora and fauna, including hundreds of kinds of eucalyptus trees, platypuses, kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras.
Australia has a population of almost 28 million people, with a highly urbanised population concentrated on the eastern seaboard. It is a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, with Canberra as its capital and Sydney and Melbourne as its most populous cities. The country has one of the highest foreign-born populations in the world, with people from various countries and cultural backgrounds calling Australia home.
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It is the largest country in Oceania
Australia is the largest country in Oceania. It is officially the Commonwealth of Australia and is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Australia has a total area of 7,688,287 square kilometres (2,968,464 sq mi), making it the sixth-largest country in the world.
Australia is nearly four times as large as Greenland, which could be considered a dividing line between a continent and an island. Australia is sometimes considered the world's largest island and is often dubbed the "island continent". It has 35,877 kilometres of coastline (excluding all offshore islands) and claims an exclusive economic zone of 8,148,250 square kilometres.
The Australian mainland extends from west to east for nearly 2,500 miles (4,000 km) and from the northeast to the southeast for nearly 2,000 miles (3,200 km). The country is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor Seas.
To put the size of Australia into perspective, it is about the same size as the continental United States. Travelling from Sydney to Perth (East Coast to West Coast) is about the same as travelling from New York to Los Angeles.
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Australia is the smallest continent
The Australian continent is also the lowest, flattest, and second-driest continent (after Antarctica) on Earth. It is highly urbanised, with most of its population of almost 28 million concentrated on the eastern seaboard. Its cities and farms are mostly located in the southwest and southeast, where the climate is more comfortable. The famous outback contains the country's largest deserts, with scorching temperatures, little water, and almost no vegetation.
Australia is sometimes referred to as Oceania, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, and other islands in the Central and South Pacific. The term Oceania was originally a "great division" of the world in the 19th century, and it was used to refer to the insular Pacific area between Asia and the Americas. The concept of Australia as one of the world's continents gained popularity in the 1950s, replacing the term Oceania in English-speaking countries.
Australia is also the largest island in the world, with 35,877 km (22,293 mi) of coastline. It is the sixth-largest country in the world by total area, and it has the world's thirteenth-highest military expenditure. Australia has the world's ninth-largest immigrant population, and it is one of the most ethnically diverse nations, with nearly a quarter of its population born in other countries.
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The country has a highly diverse population
Australia is a highly diverse country in terms of its population. It is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, and its population of almost 28 million is highly urbanised, with 89% living in a handful of urban areas. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse nations, with nearly a quarter of its population born in other countries. The top five ancestries in Australia are English (33%), Australian (29.9%), Irish (9.5%), Scottish (8.6%), and Chinese (5.5%). The population also includes Aboriginal Australians, who have lived in the country for around 50,000 to 65,000 years and had one of the oldest living cultures in the world when British settlement began.
The diversity of Australia's population is further reflected in its religious affiliations. The top five religious affiliations in the country are no religion (38.9%), Catholic (20%), Anglican (9.8%), Islam (3.2%), and Hinduism (2.7%). The country's diverse population contributes to its culture, with a variety of languages, customs, and traditions. The Australian population's love for the outdoors, sports, and outdoor activities is also influenced by its warm and sunny climate.
Australia's population diversity is influenced by its history of immigration. The country has experienced multiple waves of immigration, with the European component of the population rising sharply due to immigration in the late 18th and 19th centuries. However, the percentage of the European population is now declining. In recent years, Australia has attracted immigrants from various countries, including the United Kingdom, other European nations, China, Vietnam, North Africa, and the Middle East. The proportion of people born overseas in Australia has been increasing, with 7 million people, or 27.6% of the population, born outside the country in 2021.
The diversity of Australia's population is also influenced by its urbanisation and economic development. The country's population is heavily concentrated in urban areas, particularly on the eastern seaboard, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne boasting populations of over five million. This urbanisation is driven by factors such as economic opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and the development of infrastructure. Additionally, Australia has one of the highest foreign-born populations in the world, contributing to its cultural and ethnic diversity.
The Australian government's immigration policies have played a role in shaping the country's diverse population. Changes in immigration policies, such as the increase in the intake of skilled migrants, have influenced the demographic landscape. The post-war migration program, which included the intake of displaced persons and refugees from various countries, also contributed to the diversity of Australia's population. Overall, Australia's highly diverse population is a result of its history, cultural attractions, and immigration policies, making it a unique and dynamic country in terms of its demographic composition.
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Australia has a highly developed economy
Australia is a highly developed country with a sophisticated and robust economy. It has a stable, prosperous, and dynamic market-based system, benefiting from its natural resources, stable democracy, and strong international trade ties. With a high GDP per capita, low unemployment, and a significant services sector, Australia's economy is a powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Australian economy is characterized by its diverse range of industries and strong performance in key sectors. The services sector dominates, including tourism, finance, education, and healthcare, contributing significantly to the country's economic output and employment. The country is also a significant exporter of natural resources, with mining and agricultural industries forming a critical part of its economy. Australia is a major player in the global market for minerals, with large reserves of coal, iron ore, gold, and natural gas, among other resources.
The Australian economy has traditionally been reliant on these natural resources, and the country has a strong history of mining and agricultural production. Over time, the economy has diversified, and while these industries remain essential, the services sector has grown substantially. This diversification has contributed to Australia's economic resilience, enabling it to weather global economic shocks and maintain strong growth and stability.
International trade is a significant driver of Australia's economic success. The country has long-standing and robust trade relationships with many nations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. These trade ties have facilitated the export of Australian goods and services and attracted foreign investment, further bolstering the country's economy. Australia is also an active member of various trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which enhance its integration into global markets.
The Australian economy is underpinned by a well-educated and skilled workforce, a strong regulatory environment, and a culture of innovation. The country consistently invests in research and development, fostering advancements in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. This focus on innovation helps drive economic growth and ensures that Australian industries remain competitive on a global scale.
In summary, Australia's highly developed economy is a cornerstone of its success as a nation. With a diverse range of industries, abundant natural resources, and a dynamic services sector, Australia has established itself as a significant player in the global economy. The country's economic resilience, fostered by its diverse trading relationships and a skilled workforce, positions it for continued prosperity and growth in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia is one of the largest countries in the world. It is the sixth-largest country by total area, spanning 7,688,287 square kilometres (2,968,464 square miles).
Australia is nearly four times as large as Greenland and is about the same size as the continental USA.
Australia has a population of almost 28 million people, which is significantly less than America's. Most of the population is concentrated on the eastern seaboard, with the majority living in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
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