Damon Mcknight
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the smallest of the seven continents and is one of the largest countries by area, spanning over 7.6 million square kilometres. Australia's vast and expansive land area makes it one of the largest countries in the world, ranking as the sixth-largest country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Area | 7,692,024 square km |
| World Ranking | 6th largest country |
| Coastline | 25,760 km (excludes offshore islands) |
| Land Borders | None |
| Longest Distance (North to South) | 3,681 km (Cape York to South East Cape) |
| Widest Distance (East to West) | 4,000 km (Sydney to Perth) |
| Exclusive Economic Zone | 8,148,250 square km |
| Time Zones | 3 standard time zones (UTC+8 to UTC+10:30) and 5 with dependencies |
| Highest Point | Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m) |
| Lowest Point | Lake Eyre (-15 m) |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is the world's smallest continent
Australia is the smallest continent in the world, spanning an area of about 7,682,300 square kilometres or 2,966,152 square miles. It is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor Seas, with the Coral Sea lying off the Queensland coast and the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. The continent extends roughly 4,000 kilometres east to west and 3,180 kilometres north to south, with a total coastline of 25,760 kilometres (excluding offshore islands).
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country, after Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. It is also the largest country in Oceania and the world's largest island. Despite being the smallest continent, Australia is a megadiverse country with a wide variety of landscapes and climates. The continent features deserts in its interior and tropical rainforests along its coast.
Australia's population is concentrated on its coastal fringes, with about 95% of its inhabitants living within 100 kilometres of the coast. This results in a population density of 3.5 people per square kilometre, which is one of the lowest in the world.
In comparison to other continents, Australia is significantly smaller than Africa, which spans over 30 million square kilometres, and North America, which covers over 9 million square kilometres. However, Australia is only slightly smaller than South America, which has a land area of about 17.8 million square kilometres.
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It's the sixth-largest country
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world in terms of total area. It has a landmass of approximately 7,692,030 square kilometers, which is comparable in size to Brazil, the fifth-largest country, and slightly larger than India, the seventh-largest. This vast area includes the mainland Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. To put this into perspective, if you were to drive across Australia from its westernmost point to its easternmost point, it would be similar in distance to traveling from London, UK, to Tehran, Iran.
The country's size becomes even more impressive when considering its sparse population. Australia has a population of over 25 million people, but this translates to a low population density of just 3.4 people per square kilometer. This makes Australia one of the least densely populated countries in the world. For comparison, the global average population density is around 15 people per square kilometer.
Much of Australia's land is quite inhospitable, with large areas of desert or semi-arid terrain. The famous Outback, a vast, remote interior region, makes up a significant portion of the country. This rugged and often inaccessible landscape is characterized by its red sandy deserts, rocky outcroppings, and sparse vegetation. Despite this, Australia is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, sandy beaches, and snowy mountains.
The continent's size and isolation have also had a profound impact on its biodiversity. Australia is known for its unique flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. From the iconic kangaroo and koala to the venomous snakes and crocodiles, Australia's wildlife is a drawcard for nature enthusiasts and scientists alike. The country's size provides ample space for national parks and protected areas, ensuring the preservation of these natural wonders.
Australia's vast expanse also contributes to its varied climate. The country experiences a range of climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, with some mountainous regions even experiencing snow. The interior desert regions can be extremely hot and dry, while the coastal areas are often cooled by ocean breezes. This diversity in climate is another factor that contributes to Australia's unique natural environment.
In conclusion, Australia's status as the sixth-largest country in the world is a significant aspect of its character. This vast land offers a unique and diverse range of landscapes, climates, and ecosystems. From the rugged Outback to the vibrant coral reefs, Australia's size provides a canvas for an incredible array of natural wonders. This, combined with its low population density, makes Australia a country of immense natural beauty and a destination that continues to fascinate and inspire explorers and adventurers.
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Australia is larger than the USA excluding Alaska and Hawaii
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, with a total area of 7,688,287 square kilometres (2,968,464 square miles). It is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor Seas, with the Coral Sea lying off the Queensland coast and the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. The country extends about 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles) from east to west and 3,180 kilometres (1,980 miles) from north to south.
The United States of America, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, is slightly smaller than Australia. The USA is the fourth-largest country in the world when considering land size alone. When including territorial waters, which extend 12 nautical miles out from each coast, the USA becomes the third-largest country.
Australia has a total coastline of 25,760 kilometres (16,007 miles) or 35,877 kilometres (22,293 miles) if all offshore islands are excluded. The country is bounded on the north by the Timor and Arafura Seas, on the northeast by the Coral Sea, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the southeast by the Tasman Sea, and on the south and west by the Indian Ocean.
Australia's population is highly concentrated on its coastal fringes, with about 95% of the population living within 100 kilometres of the coast. This is significantly higher than the world average of 39%. Australia's population density is 3.5 inhabitants per square kilometre, which is one of the lowest in the world.
In summary, Australia is larger than the contiguous United States of America (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). While both countries are vast and cover millions of square kilometres, Australia's size of 7,688,287 square kilometres surpasses the mainland USA's total area.
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It has a population of 24.16 million (in 2017)
Australia's population was 24.16 million in 2017. The country is the world's smallest continent and the planet's sixth-largest country by area. It has a total area of 7,686,850 sq km (or 7,682,300 km2 according to other sources). This makes Australia slightly smaller than the United States, which covers 9,147,593 sq km (excluding Alaska and Hawaii, the two countries are roughly the same size).
Australia's land area accounts for only 5% of the world's land area. The country is bounded by the Timor and Arafura Seas to the north, the Coral Sea to the northeast, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Tasman Sea to the southeast. The Indian Ocean lies to the south and west of the country.
The five mainland states of Australia are New South Wales (801,600 sq km), Queensland (1,727,200 sq km), South Australia (984,000 sq km), Victoria (227,600 sq km), and Western Australia (2,525,500 sq km). The island state of Tasmania covers 67,800 sq km, the Northern Territory covers 1,346,200 sq km, and the Australian Capital Territory covers 2,400 sq km.
Australia's population has grown since 2017. By 2022, the population had reached 26,014,399, a 1.28% increase from the previous year. The population in 2023 was 26,658,948, a 2.48% increase from 2022. The population of Australia in 2024 was 26,699,482, a slight increase of 0.15% from the previous year.
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The country is divided into six states and two territories
Australia is a continent, an island, and a country. It is the smallest of the seven continents and is one of the largest countries by area. The country is divided into six states and two territories. These are:
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales is the state with the largest population in Australia. It has numerous mountains, beaches, and national parks, and the nation's biggest city and financial centre, Sydney. Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia, is in NSW and stands 2,228 metres tall. NSW also includes Lord Howe Island.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland is known as the 'Sunshine State'. It is a subtropical stretch of land in the northeast of Australia. It is home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The state capital is Brisbane, often called 'Brissie'.
South Australia
South Australia was originally established as the Province of South Australia in 1836. It shares borders with all of the mainland states as well as the Northern Territory. It is known for its wine, beaches, and national parks, particularly the Barossa and Clare Valleys.
Tasmania (including Macquarie Island)
Tasmania is an island state south of mainland Australia. It is much smaller than the rest of Australia but has natural attractions to rival any other part of the country. Tasmania has an area of 67,800 sq km (or 68,401 sq km according to another source).
Victoria
Victoria was originally established as the Victoria Colony in 1851.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, occupying around one-third of the country. Its capital, Perth, is geographically the most isolated city in the world. Western Australia is known for its rich mineral and petroleum resources, making it the third-largest iron ore producer in the world.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The Australian Capital Territory is a self-governing inland territory, created specifically to be Australia's administrative capital. Canberra, an entirely planned city comprising most of the ACT, was selected as Australia's capital in 1913. The state boasts some of Australia's most important national institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House.
Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory is the least populous of all of Australia's states and territories. It is home to the capital city of Darwin. The Northern Territory includes some of the country's premier national parks, including Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's size is approximately 7,682,300 sq km.
Australia is the smallest of the seven continents.
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world.
No, the United States is larger than Australia.
Australia's population is approximately 28 million, with 95% of people living within 100 km of the coast.
