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Australia is a country in the Southern Hemisphere, near Indonesia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. It is the only country in the world that covers an entire continent. Australia is the smallest continent in the world and the sixth-largest country by area of jurisdiction. Its geography is diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to large deserts, tropical rainforests, grasslands, heathlands, and woodlands. The country is home to thousands of unique plant and animal species and has over 500 local government bodies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 27.2 million (as of 30 June 2024) |
| Population density | 3.5/km2 (9.1/sq mi) (as of 2024) |
| Land area | 7,688,287 km2 (2,968,464 sq mi) |
| Coastline | Over 22,000 miles |
| Elevation | 985 feet on average; 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) at the highest point (Mount Kosciuszko) |
| Terrain | Arid desert, alpine forests, tropical rainforests, grasslands, heathlands, woodlands |
| Waterways | Murray River, Darling River, Great Artesian Basin |
| Ecosystems | 92% endemic vascular plants, 87% endemic mammals, 93% endemic reptiles, 94% endemic frogs, 45% endemic birds, 89% endemic fish species |
| Biodiversity | Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Tasmanian islands, Australian Alps |
| Geographic location | Southern Hemisphere, south of Asia, near Indonesia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea |
| Maritime boundaries | Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, New Caledonia (France), and New Zealand |
| Minor territories | Jervis Bay Territory, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island, McDonald Islands, and a claim on the Antarctic continent |
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The Great Barrier Reef
Unfortunately, the Great Barrier Reef has been facing significant environmental challenges in recent decades. It has been impacted by human activities such as fishing and tourism, as well as the runoff of human-made pollutants and climate change. A 2012 study found that the reef had lost more than half of its coral cover since 1985, and coral bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 resulted in the deaths of many mature breeding adults, leading to low coral birth rates. Despite these challenges, the reef remains a testament to the beauty and diversity of Australia's natural wonders.
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The Outback
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a famous natural formation located in the Outback. This sacred site rises 1,100 feet (335 meters) tall and is the largest rock in the world. It is a flat red-soil desert called the Red Center, and it is a significant cultural landmark for the Aboriginal people.
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Mountains
Australia's landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to large deserts, tropical and temperate forests, grasslands, heathlands, and woodlands.
The Australian Alps are a mountain range located in southeast Australia, spanning across New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. They are the highest mountains in Australia, with peaks exceeding 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) in elevation. The range comprises an area of 1,232,981 hectares (3,046,760 acres). The Australian Alps are important for conservation, recreation, and as a water drainage basin, with much of the range's eastern slopes having their runoff diverted into the Murray River. The Australian Alps are also home to the only skiing areas in mainland Australia. Mount Kosciuszko, located in Kosciuszko National Park, is the highest peak in Australia at 2,228 meters (7,310 ft) high. The Alpine National Park, located in Victoria, offers stunning alpine landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Snowy Mountains, located in New South Wales and Victoria, are a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
The Great Dividing Range is another significant mountain range in Australia, stretching over 3,500 kilometers (2,300 miles) along the eastern coast of Australia. It is the longest mountain range in the country and the third longest land-based range in the world. The range acts as a natural barrier, separating the coastal regions from the inland areas, and influences rainfall patterns, with the eastern side receiving more rainfall than the west. The Blue Mountains, located just outside of Sydney, are part of the Great Dividing Range and offer stunning views, deep valleys, and ancient rock formations.
The Western Plateau, covering over two-thirds of the country, is a relatively flat area with low mountainous ranges in the north of Western Australia. Tasmania, the island state, has its own distinct topology. The most mountainous region is the Central Highlands, covering most of the central west parts of the state. The Tasmanian mountain ranges have a 'rounded smoothness' similar to that of the mainland.
The Kimberley Region, located in the northern part of Western Australia, is another mountainous area characterized by rugged mountains, deep valleys, and stunning gorges. This region is home to ancient rock art sites and holds significant cultural importance for Indigenous people.
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a famous freestanding mountain located in the central part of the country. Rising 1,100 feet (335 meters) tall, it is the largest rock in the world and a sacred site for Aboriginal peoples.
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Tasmania
The geography of Tasmania is characterised by its mountain ranges and rugged topography. The majority of the state is defined by significant dolerite exposure, with the western half being older and more rugged. The western half features buttongrass plains, temperate rainforests, and quartzite ranges, including Federation Peak and Frenchmans Cap. The Central Highlands, covering most of the central western parts of the state, is the most mountainous region. The Midlands, located in the central east, is fairly flat and predominantly used for agriculture. Tasmania's tallest mountain is Mount Ossa, which stands at 1,617 metres (5,305 feet) above sea level.
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Population distribution
Australia is the only country in the world that covers an entire continent. It is the smallest continent in the world and the sixth-largest country by area of jurisdiction, covering a total area of 7,688,287 square kilometres (2,968,464 square miles). It is also the flattest continent, with an average elevation of about 985 feet.
Despite its vast size, Australia's population is concentrated along its coastal regions, particularly the eastern and southeastern coasts, leaving the vast centre of the country virtually uninhabited. This is reflected in Australia's mean population density of 3.5/km2 (9.1/sq mi) as of 2024, one of the lowest in the world. The most densely populated geographic areas of the country are located in the Coastal Plains of the eastern states of Australia and the Swan Coastal Plain in the southwestern corner of the mainland.
As of 2024, Australia's population was approximately 27.2 million, having grown at an average rate of around 1.4% per year over the past three decades. The population is diverse, with almost half (48%) of Australians having at least one parent born overseas. The country is also one of the world's most ethnically diverse, with people from a range of countries, including the United Kingdom, other European countries, China, Vietnam, North Africa, and the Middle East.
The unique geography of Australia, with its vast and isolated landscapes, has resulted in a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems. The country supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to Australia due to its geographic isolation.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is the smallest continent in the world and the only one that consists of a single nation. It is also the flattest continent, with an average elevation of about 985 feet. It has no navigable rivers of commercial significance. The country is known for its biodiversity and ecosystems, with nearly 600,000 native species of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the country. The Great Artesian Basin is the world's largest groundwater source, and the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world.
Australia is the sixth-largest country by area but has a low population density of 3.5/km2 (9.1/sq mi)2, with a population of 27.2 million as of 2024. The most densely populated areas are the Coastal Plains of the eastern states and the Swan Coastal Plain in the southwest, while the vast centre of the country is virtually uninhabited. Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world, with almost half of Australians having at least one parent born overseas.
Australia is a dry and arid continent, with a range of habitats, including alpine forests and tropical rainforests. It is the driest continent except for Antarctica. The climate varies from temperate in the south and east to tropical in the north. The Great Dividing Range, a 2,300-mile mountain range, runs along the eastern and southeastern edge of the country, sending water down to the major rivers.
Australia has 516 national parks to protect its unique plants and animals. The country is rich in natural resources and has a lot of fertile land, with the world's greatest wool industry. Most Australian cities and farms are located in the southwest and southeast, where the climate is more comfortable.
Australia is an important exporter of agricultural goods, minerals, and metals. It is the world's fourth-largest producer of gold and has the sixth-highest per-capita income.
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