Lexi Webster
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, covering 7,686,300 square kilometres (2,966,200 square miles) or 7.6 million square kilometres. It accounts for just five per cent of the world's land area and is the smallest continental land mass, despite being the largest island. Australia's size is comparable to that of the contiguous United States, though the US is slightly larger. The country is divided into six states and two territories and has a diverse range of ecosystems, from coral reefs to deserts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land area | 7,686,300 square kilometers (2,966,200 square miles) or 7.6 million square kilometers |
| World ranking | Sixth largest country |
| As an island | World's largest island |
| As a continent | Smallest continent |
| Population | The world's 9th largest immigrant population |
| Economy | The world's 14th-largest economy |
| Human Development Index | Second-highest globally |
| River systems | The Murray-Darling River System is the longest continuous river system in Australia, with an annual runoff volume of 22.7 billion cubic meters (801.6 billion cubic feet) of water. |
| Mountainous terrain | Elevations in Tasmania reach 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) |
| Rock formations | Massive rock formations reach 2,800 feet and stretch for nearly four miles |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country
Australia is home to diverse ecosystems, from coral reefs to deserts, and its size is a testament to its freedom and endless possibilities. The country is divided into six states and two territories, with many place names reflecting its history as a British colony, as well as the influence of Dutch and French explorers. The continent of Australia, known as Sahul, Australinea, or Meganesia, includes mainland Australia, Tasmania, and the island of New Guinea, as well as other nearby islands.
The Murray-Darling River System, Australia's longest continuous river system, flows through four states and provides water for 80% of the country's irrigated land. The continent also includes a continental shelf with shallow seas that divide it into several landmasses, such as the Arafura Sea and Torres Strait between mainland Australia and New Guinea, and the Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania.
Australia is situated in the Southern Hemisphere, southeast of Asia, between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is the world's smallest continent but the largest island. Its size is truly astonishing, and it offers a wide range of destinations for those planning vacations or seeking to explore its diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
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It covers 7,686,300 square kilometres or 2,966,200 square miles
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, covering 7,686,300 square kilometres or 2,966,200 square miles. To put that into context, it accounts for just five percent of the world's land area of 149,450,000 square kilometres. Although it is the smallest continental land mass, Australia is the world's largest island.
Australia's land area is vast, stretching from coast to coast with a width of approximately 3,860 kilometres at its widest point. It is about the same size as continental USA, which covers 3,797,000 square miles. However, Australia has a significantly smaller population, with roughly the same number of people as the single state of Texas.
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with many place names reflecting the country's history as a British colony, as well as the influence of Dutch and French explorers. The continent includes a continental shelf overlain by shallow seas, which divide it into several landmasses—the Arafura Sea and Torres Strait between mainland Australia and New Guinea, and Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania.
The Murray-Darling River System is Australia's longest continuous river system, flowing through parts of four states: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It provides water for 80% of the country's irrigated land, with an annual runoff volume of 801.6 billion cubic feet of water. The river system drains an area of 410,318 square miles, or about 14% of Australia's total land area.
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Australia is the smallest continent
Australia's status as the smallest continent becomes even more apparent when compared to the other continents. For example, Asia, the largest continent, is more than nine times the size of Australia. Even Antarctica, the second-smallest continent, is almost double the size of Australia. However, what Australia may lack in size compared to other continents, it makes up for in diversity and uniqueness. Australia is home to a wide variety of ecosystems and landscapes, including iconic landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru (Ayers Rock).
The continent is also known for its unique flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else on Earth, such as kangaroos, koalas, and the Tasmanian devil. Australia's indigenous cultures also have a rich history and tradition, with Aboriginal Australians having inhabited the continent for over 60,00 thousand years. In terms of population, Australia is also relatively small compared to other continents. With a population of approximately 25 million people, it is the least populous continent, although it has a higher population density than Antarctica.
Despite its small size relative to other continents, Australia has a significant impact on the global stage. It has a strong economy, a highly developed society, and a rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Australia plays an important role in its region, with strong ties to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In conclusion, while Australia may be the smallest continent, it is a significant and important part of the world. Its unique characteristics, diverse landscapes, and influential position in the global community make it a continent of immense interest and value.
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The country has diverse ecosystems, from coral reefs to deserts
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, with a land area of 2.989 million square miles or 7,686,300 square kilometres. To put this into perspective, travelling from Sydney to Perth is about the same distance as travelling from New York to Los Angeles.
However, the reef is facing several threats, including ocean acidification, pollution runoff, and outbreaks of destructive species like the crown-of-thorns starfish. Climate change is also a significant issue, causing ocean warming and coral bleaching. During the 2014-2017 coral bleaching event, hundreds of miles of coral in the Great Barrier Reef were bleached due to unusually warm waters. While corals can recover from bleaching if conditions improve, it can take many years for the ecosystems to fully heal.
Australia also has several islands and territories, including the Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island, and the Ashmore Islands. The state of Tasmania, located off the southeastern coast of the mainland, has a rugged terrain and elevations reaching 5,000 feet. The Murray-Darling River System is the country's longest continuous river system, flowing through four states and providing water for 80% of the irrigated land in Australia.
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Australia is divided into six states and two territories
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country by land area, covering 7,686,300 square kilometres (2,966,200 square miles). It is also the world's smallest continent and the largest island. The country is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms.
The six states of Australia are New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island), Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania (including Macquarie Island), Victoria, and Western Australia. The Colony of New South Wales was founded in 1788 and originally comprised much of the Australian mainland. During the 19th century, large areas were separated to form the other colonies that became the founding states of the new Commonwealth of Australia.
The two territories of Australia are the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory (NT). The Northern Territory is home to the capital city of Darwin and the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock). The Australian Capital Territory is home to the nation's capital, Canberra, and boasts some of Australia's most important national institutions, including Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Museum of Australia.
In addition to the six states and two territories, Australia also administers several external territories, including Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, the Cocos (or Keeling) Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island, and the Australian Antarctic Territory. These external territories are regulated by Acts of the federal Parliament, and while they are constitutionally part of Australia, they are legally subordinate to the federal government.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia covers an area of 7,686,300 square kilometres or 2,966,200 square miles. This equates to 66,273,125,568,000 square feet.
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country after Russia, Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil. It is about the same size as the continental USA, though the US is slightly larger. Australia is the world's smallest continent and the largest island.
The continent of Australia includes mainland Australia, Tasmania, the island of New Guinea, the Aru Islands, the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and most of the Coral Sea Islands, among other nearby islands. The continental shelf covers 2.5 million square kilometres or 970,000 square miles.
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The state of Tasmania, for example, is located 241 kilometres off the southeastern coast of the mainland and covers an area where elevations reach 5,000 feet. The Northern Territory includes Melville Island, which covers 2,333 square miles, and Groote Eylandt, which covers 882 square miles.
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