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Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country that is part of the Australian continent. It is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, located in the Southern Hemisphere between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Australia is considered a Western country, but this classification is surprising to some, as Sydney is further east than Japan. This classification is due to Australia's proximity to Western countries like the US and its democratic form of government, which aligns with other Western countries like the UK and France.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Considered a Western country | Yes |
| Reasons for being considered Western | Australia is a colony of the UK, governed in a democratic way; it is also close to Western countries like the US on a flat map |
| Population density | 3.4 persons per square kilometre of total land area |
| Population concentration | Heavily concentrated on the east coast, particularly in the south-eastern region between South East Queensland and Adelaide |
| Population in Greater Capital City Statistical Areas in 2018 | 67% |
| Metropolitan areas with more than one million inhabitants | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide |
| Average age of the population in 2021 | 39 years |
| Positioning | Lies between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere |
| Direction | Extends from west to east for nearly 2,500 miles (4,000 km) |
| Jurisdiction | Extends 310 miles (500 km) south to the island of Tasmania and in the north to the southern shores of Papua New Guinea |
| Isolation | Remote from traditional allies and trading partners, such as Great Britain and the US |
| Eastern states | Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania |
| Eastern states population | 19,484,100, or 81% of Australia's population |
| Eastern states land area | 2,829,463 km2, or 37% of Australia's total land area |
| Eastern states climate | Humid subtropical zone, with some tropical and oceanic climate zones |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is considered a Western country
The term "'Western country" came into use after World War II, referring to countries like the UK, USA, and France, which differed from Russia and the "east" in terms of governing ideologies, with democratic societies contrasting communist ones. As a former British colony, Australia shares cultural and historical links with the UK and other Western nations and has a democratic system of government.
Additionally, Australia's unique characteristics, such as its global isolation, low relief, arid landscape, and diverse flora and fauna, contribute to its distinct identity within the Western context. The country has a relatively small population, with a density of around 3.4 to 3.5 persons per square kilometre, and its population is heavily concentrated on the east coast, particularly in the southeastern region.
In terms of geography, Australia is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, situated between the Pacific and Indian Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. It is known for its diverse landscapes and climates, including deserts and tropical rainforests. The country has a significant Indigenous history, with Aboriginal Australians having one of the oldest living cultures in the world before British settlement.
In conclusion, while Australia may be geographically closer to eastern countries, its political, cultural, and historical affiliations align it with the West. Its global isolation and unique features further contribute to its distinct position within the Western context.
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Sydney is further east than Japan
Australia is considered a Western country, despite the fact that Sydney is further east than Japan. This is possibly because, on a flat map, Australia appears to be close to western countries like the US. Australia is also relatively close to the right edge of the map, which may be why it is considered a Western country.
In addition, the term "Western country" originated after World War II, as a result of the tension between the Western countries (UK, USA, France) and Russia. Australia, as a colony of the UK, is governed democratically, which is another reason why it is considered a Western country.
However, geographically speaking, Sydney is indeed further east than Japan. This is evident when looking at a map or considering the time zones of the two countries. Sydney is located on the east coast of Australia, which is known for its high population density and concentration of metropolitan areas.
On the other hand, Japan is located further west in East Asia. While it is true that Sydney is east of Japan, it is important to note that the terms "eastern" and "western" can be relative and carry cultural connotations beyond mere geographical location.
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Australia is the smallest continent
The continent of Australia is sometimes referred to as Oceania, which includes the Australian continent, Zealandia, New Zealand, and various islands in the Pacific Ocean. The term Oceania was originally a "great division" of the world in the 1810s, but it was replaced by the concept of Australia as one of the world's continents in the 1950s. The name "Sahul" is derived from the Sahul Shelf, which is part of the continental shelf of the Australian continent.
Australia is considered a Western country, despite being located further east than Japan. This may be due to its close proximity to Western countries like the United States on a flat map. Additionally, as a former colony of the United Kingdom, Australia has a democratic form of government, which aligns with the governing principles of Western countries.
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The eastern states of Australia
Australia is considered a Western country, despite the fact that Sydney is further east than Japan. This perception of Australia as a Western country may be due to its democratic form of government, which aligns with that of countries like the US, UK, and France.
Now, onto the eastern states of Australia. The eastern states of Australia are the states that share a border with the country's east continental coastline. These include the mainland states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, as well as the island state of Tasmania. The Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory are also included, despite not being states. On some occasions, the southern state of South Australia is also grouped with the eastern states due to its economic ties.
The eastern states are defined by their climate, which is dominated by a humid subtropical zone, with some tropical areas (such as Queensland) and oceanic climates (like the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and New South Wales). In terms of time zones, the eastern states are those that use Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
The eastern states are home to a significant portion of Australia's population, with 81% of Australians living in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania. These states and territories also attract a large number of international visitors, contributing significantly to the country's tourism revenue.
The Great Dividing Range runs along most of eastern Australia, dividing the central lowlands from the eastern highlands. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the east coast of Queensland, is another notable feature of the region and is one of the world's foremost tourist attractions.
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Australia's population density
The majority of Australia's population is concentrated in urban areas, particularly on the Eastern, South Eastern, and Southern seaboards. This is in contrast to the Outback, which is sparsely populated and considered inhospitable. The population density of Australia is expected to increase in the coming centuries, along with other countries such as Russia and Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is considered a Western country, despite the fact that Sydney is further east than Japan. This is possibly because Australia is a colony of the UK, governed in a democratic way.
The eastern states of Australia are the mainland states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and the island state of Tasmania. The Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory are also included, and sometimes the southern state of South Australia is too.
The combined population of Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania is 19,484,100, or 81% of Australia's population.
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