Lexi Webster
South Africa and Western Australia are two regions that differ in size. South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a country in Africa, covering approximately 1,221,037 square kilometres. On the other hand, Western Australia is a state in Australia, occupying 2,527,013 square kilometres or about 32.9% of Australia's land area excluding external territories. This comparison reveals that Western Australia is significantly larger than South Africa in terms of geographical extent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size of South Africa | 1,219,090 sq km or 1,221,037 sq km |
| Size of Western Australia | 2,527,013 sq km |
| Size of Australia | 7,741,220 sq km |
| South Africa bigger than Australia | No |
| Australia bigger than South Africa | Yes, by 535% |
| South Africa's position in the world by size | 24th largest country |
| South Africa's position in Africa by size | 9th biggest country |
| South Africa's position in the southern hemisphere by size | 5th largest country |
| Western Australia's position in Australia by size | Largest state |
| Western Australia's position in the world by size | Second-largest country subdivision |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Western Australia is bigger than South Africa
Western Australia is significantly bigger than South Africa. While South Africa has a total surface area of 1,221,037 square kilometres, Western Australia covers 2,527,013 square kilometres. This makes Western Australia more than twice the size of South Africa. In fact, Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, comprising 32.9% of the country's total land area. It is also the second-largest country subdivision in the world, only surpassed by Russia's Sakha Republic.
In contrast, South Africa is the 24th largest country in the world and the ninth-biggest country within the African continent, which consists of 55 states. Notably, South Africa is bigger than every country in Europe except Russia and every state in the USA except Alaska. It is also worth noting that South Africa has no natural lakes, resulting in a water area of only 4,620 square kilometres, or 0.38% of its total surface area.
When comparing the two regions, it is evident that Western Australia is much larger than South Africa in terms of land area. This size difference is due in part to Western Australia's vast geographical extent, accounting for nearly a third of Australia's landmass. Meanwhile, South Africa, despite its considerable size relative to other countries, is surpassed by Western Australia's substantial territorial reach.
The population distribution within these regions further highlights their size disparity. Western Australia has approximately 2.6 million inhabitants as of 2017, with the majority (92%) residing in the southwest corner, specifically the Perth area. In contrast, South Africa has a population of approximately 57.5 million people, with varying population densities across its regions.
In summary, Western Australia's sheer geographical scale, coupled with its lower population density in certain areas, underscores its substantial size advantage over South Africa. The vast expanse of Western Australia, coupled with South Africa's relatively smaller land area, clearly illustrates the significant difference in their territorial extent.
Planking Craze: How an Australian Man Became Famous
You may want to see also
Explore related products
South Africa is the 24th-largest country globally
South Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is a country located at the southernmost tip of Africa. With a total surface area of 1,221,037 square kilometres, it is the 24th largest country in the world. To put that into perspective, South Africa is bigger than every country in Europe except Russia and every state in the USA except Alaska. It is also the fifth-largest country entirely within the southern hemisphere.
In comparison to other countries and regions, South Africa is about twice the size of Egypt, Nigeria, Ukraine, or France. It is three times the size of Iraq, Japan, Poland, or Italy and five times the size of the United Kingdom or Romania. Interestingly, while Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, South Africa is still about half the size of this single Australian state.
Within Africa, South Africa is the ninth-largest country out of 55 states. Only eight other African countries surpass South Africa in size: Chad, Niger, Angola, Mali, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. South Africa is notable for its lack of natural lakes, resulting in a minimal water area of only 4,620 square kilometres, or 0.38% of its total surface area.
When compared to Australia as a whole, South Africa is significantly smaller. Australia has a total area of approximately 7,741,220 square kilometres, making it about six times larger than South Africa. This size difference is even more pronounced when comparing population sizes, as South Africa's population of approximately 57.5 million people is more than 30 million higher than Australia's.
In summary, South Africa's ranking as the 24th-largest country in the world highlights its significant geographical extent. It surpasses many countries in size, including large portions of Europe and the United States. However, when compared to Australia, specifically Western Australia, South Africa is only a fraction of the size, emphasizing the vastness of the Australian continent.
Feeding Baby Lizards in Australia: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Western Australia is Australia's largest state
Western Australia, constituting the western 32.9% of Australia, is the country's largest state. It covers a total land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi), making it the second-largest country subdivision in the world, only surpassed by Russia's Sakha Republic. Western Australia is home to approximately 630 bird species and a diverse range of ecoregions, including the sandstone gorges of the Kimberley on the northern coast and the semi-desert Pilbara shrublands. The state's capital, Perth, is known for its serene beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
The state boasts a rich geological history, with Hadean zircons formed around 4.4 billion years ago, and the earliest direct evidence of life on land, stromatolites, created by microbes around 3.48 billion years ago. Western Australia has a population of about 2.6 million people as of 2017, with 92% residing in the southwest corner and 79% in the Perth area.
Western Australia's economy is largely driven by its mining sector, particularly iron ore, petroleum, and natural gas. It is the world's largest iron-ore producer, accounting for 34% of the global total. The state also contributes significantly to Australia's live cattle exports, with about half originating from Western Australia.
In terms of size, Western Australia dwarfs South Africa, which has a land area of approximately 1,219,090 square kilometres. Australia as a whole is around 535% larger than South Africa, highlighting the vastness of Western Australia within its own country.
Western Australia's diverse landscapes, from its dramatic coastlines to its arid interiors, make it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Its economic significance, particularly in the mining and agricultural sectors, further underscores its importance within Australia and on the global stage.
Nocturnal Knockings: Australian Nighttime Noises Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
South Africa is the ninth-largest country in Africa
South Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is a country located at the southernmost tip of Africa. Covering a total surface area of approximately 1,221,037 square kilometres (471,445 sq mi), it is the 24th largest country in the world.
When compared to other African countries, South Africa is the ninth-largest. This ranking places it behind eight other African nations in terms of geographical size. The only two countries in Africa that are exactly twice the size of South Africa are Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Chad, Niger, Angola, and Mali have equal surface areas to South Africa.
In contrast, Egypt and Nigeria are approximately three-quarters the size of South Africa, while Ukraine and France are nearly half its size. Moving further east, Iraq and Japan are a third of South Africa's size, while Poland and Italy are a quarter. The United Kingdom and Romania are just one-fifth as large as South Africa, and North Korea and Malawi are a tenth.
South Africa's landmass is substantial, making it larger than every country in Europe except Russia and every US state besides Alaska. Interestingly, despite being six times larger than South Africa, Australia has a significantly smaller population, with 31.4 million fewer people. South Africa's population of approximately 57.5 million people contributes to a higher population density in the country.
Child Custody in Australia: Applying for Full or Partial Parental Rights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Western Australia is the world's second-largest country subdivision
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, occupying 32.9% of the country's total land area, excluding external territories. It covers a total land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi). To put this into perspective, Western Australia is bigger than the entire country of South Africa, which has a total surface area of 1,221,037 square kilometres or approximately 1,219,090 square kilometres. This makes South Africa the 24th largest country in the world.
With its vast land area, Western Australia is not only larger than South Africa but also ranks as the second-largest country subdivision in the world. It is surpassed only by Russia's Sakha Republic. As of 2017, Western Australia had about 2.6 million inhabitants, with the vast majority (92%) living in the southwest corner, specifically in the Perth area. This leaves the remainder of the state sparsely populated.
The size of Western Australia is quite remarkable, especially when compared to other countries and subdivisions. For example, Western Australia is approximately six times larger than South Africa. To put it into perspective, if we consider some European countries, Ukraine and France are almost exactly half the size of South Africa, which is significantly smaller than Western Australia. Similarly, countries like Iraq, Japan, Poland, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Romania are even smaller in comparison to both South Africa and Western Australia.
The sheer vastness of Western Australia is a testament to its geographical significance within Australia and on a global scale. Its size contributes to the diverse landscapes and ecosystems found within the state, ranging from its pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean to its rugged outback terrain. The state's size also presents opportunities for various industries, including mining, agriculture, and tourism, to flourish due to the abundance of natural resources and diverse attractions.
In summary, Western Australia's position as the second-largest country subdivision in the world underscores its immense size and importance. Its land area surpasses that of entire countries, including South Africa, and its population is spread across a vast expanse, with a notable concentration in the southwest region around Perth. Western Australia's size plays a crucial role in shaping its environmental, economic, and cultural characteristics, making it a significant contributor to Australia's overall identity and global presence.
Home Care Packages: Respite Care Covered in Australia?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No. South Africa is approximately 1,221,037 sq km, while Western Australia is 2,527,013 sq km. Western Australia is more than twice the size of South Africa.
South Africa is the 24th-largest country in the world and the ninth-biggest country in Africa. It is bigger than every country in Europe except Russia, and every state in the USA except Alaska.
Western Australia is sparsely populated compared to South Africa. As of 2017, Western Australia had about 2.6 million inhabitants, while South Africa's population is approximately 57.5 million people.
