Lexi Webster
Australia is one of the least densely populated places in the world, with around 25.5 million people as of 2020. The country is divided into six states and two territories, with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) hosting the highest density of population at 445.89 persons per square mile or 171.40 persons per square km. The nation's population is projected to grow to 42.68 million people by 2099, and this growth will have a significant impact on urban sustainability and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State/Territory with the highest population density | Australian Capital Territory |
| Population of Australian Capital Territory | 390,800 |
| Population density of Australian Capital Territory | 445.89 persons per square mile or 171.40 persons per square km |
| Population of Australia | 27.4 million as of December 2024 |
| Australia's rank in world population density | 55th |
| Most populated city in Australia | Sydney |
| Second most populated city in Australia | Melbourne |
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What You'll Learn
Australian Capital Territory has the highest population density
Australia is one of the least densely populated places in the world. The country's population is spread out, with most of the country's interior being desert. However, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has the highest population density in the country.
The ACT has a population density of 171.40 persons per square km or 445.89 persons per square mile. It is home to an estimated 390,800 inhabitants and occupies an area of 910 square miles. The territory's only city is Canberra, the nation's capital, with a population density of 445.89 people per square mile.
In recent years, the ACT has experienced a surge in population due to increasing economic prosperity fuelled by steady employment and a young population. The territory serves as the centre of government and houses significant buildings, including Parliament and the National Gallery of Australia.
While the ACT has the highest population density in Australia, it is important to note that other parts of the country, such as Sydney and Melbourne, also have densely populated areas. For example, Melbourne's inner city has Australia's highest population density at 22,400 people per square kilometre, while Sydney is considered one of the world's largest metro areas in terms of catchment population.
Understanding population density is essential for homebuyers, renters, and urban planners. It can help individuals decide where they want to live, with some preferring the hustle and bustle of a densely populated city like Melbourne and others favouring the wide-open spaces of the Australian bush. Population density also plays a role in creating more sustainable cities and ensuring urban sustainability.
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Melbourne is Australia's cultural centre
Australia is one of the least densely populated places in the world. The country's population of about 25.5 million is projected to grow to 42.68 million by 2099. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest population density in the country, with 445.89 people per square mile, followed by Sydney, which has a population density of 15,000 people per square kilometre.
Melbourne, the country's second most populous city, is located in the state of Victoria. Melbourne is recognised as Australia's cultural centre due to its famous boutiques, graffiti laneways, and thriving café scene. The city is also known for its arts and cultural institutions, including museums, galleries, events, festivals, public art, music, film, and literary talks. Melbourne is one of the world's most multicultural cities and has a strong and close-knit Aboriginal community.
Melbourne is home to several cultural hubs, including the Victorian Arts Precinct and Federation Square, one of the city's main cultural hubs and tourist centres. The city has more theatres and performance venues than any other Australian city. Notable theatres include the Princess Theatre, Regent Theatre, Forum Theatre, and Comedy Theatre. The Arts Centre Melbourne in Southbank is a hub of performing arts venues and is part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which also includes the Melbourne Recital Centre and Southbank Theatre, home of the Melbourne Theatre Company.
Melbourne is also a centre of comedy, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival listed as one of the world's three largest stand-up comedy festivals. The city has a rich sporting culture and has hosted numerous international sporting events, including the World Polo Championship, the Presidents Cup golf tournament, and the World Aquatics Championships. Melbourne's skateboarding culture has a long history, with brands such as Globe originating in the city.
Melbourne's cultural reputation is further enhanced by its investment in creative ventures and public art initiatives. The city has also seen the establishment of a new national contemporary art gallery and a comprehensive redesign of the precinct's public areas.
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Sydney is one of the world's largest metro areas
Australia is one of the least densely populated places in the world. However, Sydney is considered one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. Sydney is located in the state of New South Wales, which is the country's oldest and most populous state. Greater Sydney is the most populous metropolitan area in Australia and Oceania. It covers an area stretching from the Hawkesbury River to the Northern Beaches in the north, to the Blue Mountains in the west, and to the Wollondilly, Campbelltown, and Sutherland regions in the south.
Sydney is considered one of the world's largest metropolitan areas due to its urban sprawl, with hundreds of thousands of people living in the city. The city council allows for development, making Sydney one of the most densely populated cities globally. The population density in Sydney's inner-city suburbs, such as Potts Point, Chippendale, and Ultimo, is above 15,000 people per square kilometre. Parramatta, another inner suburb of Sydney, has a population density of 4,800 people per square kilometre.
Sydney's population density is also influenced by its role as a centre of education and employment. The city is home to several highly ranked universities, including the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. Additionally, the concentration of jobs in certain industries can attract people to the area, contributing to the high population density.
The Greater Sydney Region Plan defines the five districts that form the Greater Sydney metropolitan area. The Sydney Greater Capital City Statistical Area (GCCSA) is the definition used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the definition of Greater Sydney was expanded to include the city of Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, and Wollongong.
While Sydney is considered one of the world's largest metropolitan areas in terms of population, it is important to note that Australia's population density is relatively low compared to other countries. This is partly due to the country's large land area and the fact that much of its interior is desert, making it unsuitable for human habitation.
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Tasmania is Australia's smallest territory
Australia has one of the lowest population densities in the world. The country is divided into six states and two territories, with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) hosting the highest density of population in the country at 445.89 persons per square mile or 171.40 persons per square km.
Tasmania is located 240 kilometres (150 miles) south of mainland Australia, separated by the Bass Strait. The state's landscape is primarily mountainous, and about a fifth of its area is covered by national parks and wilderness. Tasmania was the only state in Australia with an above-replacement total fertility rate until 2012, with women having an average of 2.24 children each. By 2012, the birth rate had decreased to 2.1 children per woman.
Tasmania serves as Australia's primary sea link to Antarctica, with Hobart being home to the Australian Antarctic Division and the French ship l'Astrolabe, which supplies the French Southern Territories near and in Antarctica. The state's population is concentrated in urban areas, and its economy relies on tourism, with driving routes and walking trails established to accommodate visitors.
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Brisbane is Queensland's capital
Australia has a population of about 25.5 million as of 2020, and it is projected to grow to 42.68 million by 2099. Despite this, Australia is one of the least densely populated places in the world. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest population density in the country, with 445.89 people per square mile.
Brisbane has a rich history, with the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement established there in 1824. The city has prominent architectural landmarks, such as the Riparian Plaza and the People's Palace. It is also home to the Parliament House, the University of Queensland, and the state museum. Brisbane experiences occasional flooding, with a notable event occurring in 2011 when the Brisbane River overflowed its banks.
As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane plays a crucial role in the state's governance and economic activities. The city has close economic and social ties with nearby areas, including Ipswich and Redcliffe. Brisbane is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its coastal locations, such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Brisbane faces the challenge of balancing population growth with sustainability. The city has proposed amendments to require apartment buildings to incorporate green spaces, addressing the impact of increasing population density on natural landscapes.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has the highest population density in Australia, with 445.89 people per square mile or 171.40 people per square km.
The population of the Australian Capital Territory is estimated to be 390,800.
Canberra is the capital of the Australian Capital Territory and is also the capital of Australia.
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth are some of the other densely populated cities in Australia.
