Leslie Massey
Australia and the United States are two of the world's largest countries. While Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, the United States is slightly bigger in terms of total square area. Australia has a land area of 2.989 million square miles, while the US measures 3.797 million square miles. This means that the US has more land than Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land area | Australia: 2.989 million sq. mi. (7,688,287 km2) < United States: 3.797 million sq. mi. |
| Population | Australia: ~26 million < United States: ~330 million |
| Number of time zones | Australia: 3 < United States: 6 |
| Number of states | Australia: 6 < United States: 50 |
| Global influence | Australia: Limited influence < United States: Extensive influence |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is bigger than the continental US (lower 48 states)
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, with a land area of about 7.692 million square kilometres. It accounts for just 5% of the world's land area and is the smallest continental land mass. Despite its size, much of Australia's terrain remains uninhabited, with most Australians choosing to live along the coast.
The United States is bigger than Australia. The US has a land area of 9.834 million square kilometres, which is about 27% larger than Australia. The US has 50 states, each with its own unique geography, resulting in a diverse landscape of deserts, mountains, plains, and beaches.
When comparing the two countries, it is worth noting that Australia has a significantly smaller population than the US. The whole of Australia has a similar population to the state of Texas, with most people living along the coast. The US, on the other hand, has a population of over 330 million people, with cities and towns spread across the country.
The perception of the size of a country is not just based on landmass but also on its influence. Australia has a more relaxed way of life and is known for its beautiful landscapes and welcoming cities, but it does not have the same global influence as the US. The US has been a superpower for centuries and has a significant impact on world culture, economics, and politics.
Despite the difference in size, both countries offer unique travel experiences. In Australia, road trips often involve long drives through arid landscapes, while in the US, road trips offer a variety of narratives, with each state providing a different experience.
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The US has more inland water
The United States has a total area of approximately 9.9 million square kilometres, including five Great Lakes and numerous other waterways, while Australia has an area of around 7.7 million square kilometres, with a single large lake, Lake Eyre, which is usually dry. When it comes to inland water, the US has a clear advantage over Australia. The US has a much higher proportion of inland water compared to the land area. In fact, the US has over 4 million square kilometres of inland water, including lakes, rivers, and man-made reservoirs. That's a significant amount, especially when compared to Australia's inland water resources.
The US is known for its vast and diverse network of rivers, including the famous Mississippi River, one of the world's great waterways, as well as the Missouri, Ohio, and Colorado rivers, to name a few. These rivers and their tributaries form an extensive network of inland waterways, providing vital transportation routes, irrigation, and recreational opportunities. Additionally, the US has over 100,000 natural lakes, as well as thousands of man-made reservoirs, providing crucial water storage and recreational spaces.
In contrast, Australia has a more limited system of inland waterways. While Australia boasts some impressive rivers, like the Murray River, the longest river in the country, and the Darling River, these rivers tend to be shorter and less voluminous than their US counterparts. Australia's rivers often flow intermittently and are more susceptible to drought conditions. Furthermore, while Australia has numerous lakes, many of them are relatively small and shallow, and some, like Lake Eyre, are often dry or hypersaline.
One key factor contributing to the US's abundant water resources is its geographic location and climate. The US spans a wide range of latitudes, from subtropical to subarctic, and experiences a variety of weather patterns, including snowmelt in the north, which contributes significantly to river flow and groundwater recharge. The country also benefits from a generally wetter climate, with higher annual rainfall in many regions, which helps maintain healthy water levels in its lakes and rivers.
In conclusion, when comparing the two countries, it is evident that the US has a richer and more extensive network of inland water. This abundance of water plays a crucial role in shaping the country's economy, agriculture, and recreational activities, and it is a significant factor distinguishing the US from Australia in terms of their natural resources and landscapes.
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The US has more people and cities
While Australia has more land, the United States has a significantly larger population. The US population is estimated to be around 300 million people, while Australia's population is roughly equivalent to that of the single US state of Texas, which is around 29 million people. To put this in perspective, the city of New York has a population of 7.9 million people, more than a quarter of Australia's population.
The US also has a greater number of large cities. As of 2025, there are 351 cities in the US with a population of over 100,000 people. This is an increase from 337 in 2020 and 287 in 2010. By contrast, Australia has only 16 cities with a population of over 100,000 people. The US has 11 cities with populations exceeding 1 million people, with New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago being the largest.
The population density of US cities with populations exceeding 100,000 varies. Some cities have high population densities, meaning people live in close proximity, while others have lower densities, with people more spread out. The US Census Bureau defines an incorporated place as including cities, towns, villages, boroughs, and municipalities.
The difference in population size between the US and Australia is likely due to a variety of factors, including historical and geographical factors, as well as immigration policies and birth rates. The US has a larger economy and a higher standard of living than Australia, which may also contribute to the population disparity.
In summary, while Australia may have more land, the US has a significantly larger population and more large cities. This has implications for the cultural, social, and economic life of both countries, as well as their respective roles on the global stage.
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Australia has a more relaxed way of life
Australia is the planet's sixth-largest country, with a land area of 2.989 million square miles. In comparison, the United States is larger, with a land area of 3.797 million square miles. Despite its smaller size, Australia has a significantly lower population than the US.
Now, onto the topic of Australia's relaxed way of life:
Australia has a reputation for its laid-back and casual attitude towards life. This is reflected in various aspects of Australian culture, from social interactions to workplace dynamics. Australians are known for their easy-going and friendly nature, where strangers are considered "mates" and are greeted with a casual "G'day." This attitude extends to the workplace, where a relaxed dress code and informal language are common, even between bosses and employees.
The country's diverse natural landscapes and outdoor activities also contribute to the relaxed lifestyle. Australians love spending time outdoors, whether it's at the beach, in the Outback, or in one of the many urban parks. The country's stunning natural environment provides ample opportunities for surfing, fishing, kayaking, picnics, and outdoor sports like cricket and lawn bowls.
Australia's rich history and multiculturalism also play a role in shaping its relaxed culture. The country has strong connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, which are the oldest surviving cultures on Earth. Australia's diversity is further enhanced by people from various cultural backgrounds, influencing everything from food to celebrations.
Finally, Australia's sense of humour and egalitarian spirit are key components of its relaxed attitude. Australians are known for their irreverent wit and informal language, often abbreviating words and using humour to lighten situations. This sense of equality and informality is deeply ingrained in the national culture, creating a society where people are treated as equals, and mateship is valued.
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The US has more global influence
The United States possesses a far-reaching and profound global influence that extends beyond that of Australia. With its economic, military, and soft power, the US has a significant impact on world affairs and maintains a dominant presence on the world stage. Here's a breakdown of why the US wields more global influence:
Economic Powerhouse: The US boasts the world's largest economy and is a leading global force in finance, technology, and industry. In 2022, the US GDP was approximately $25.44 trillion, contributing to its strong international presence and influence. The country is home to some of the world's most successful companies, including tech giants like Apple and Google, and its economy is highly diversified, with strengths in multiple sectors. This economic might translates into significant global influence, as the US can leverage its financial power in international negotiations and use its economic policies to shape global markets.
Military Superpower: The US maintains an extensive military presence worldwide and has the largest military budget globally. It plays a dominant role in NATO and has military bases and deployments in numerous countries, reflecting its commitment to global security and its ability to project military power worldwide. The US military's advanced technology, extensive resources, and global reach contribute to its status as a preeminent military force. This military might is a significant source of the country's global influence, as it enables the US to intervene in international conflicts, contribute to peacekeeping efforts, and exert its power in strategic regions.
Political and Diplomatic Clout: The US has a strong voice in international politics and diplomacy. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the US plays a pivotal role in shaping global policies and decisions. Its participation in various international organizations and alliances, such as the G7 and the World Trade Organization, further enhances its diplomatic influence. The US is also a key player in negotiating and drafting international agreements and treaties, impacting global norms and standards. Its political and diplomatic clout allows it to build strong alliances, exert influence over other nations, and drive global agendas.
Cultural and Soft Power: The US exerts significant soft power through its culture, values, and ideas, which have a widespread appeal and influence worldwide. American music, movies, television, and pop culture have a massive global following, shaping international trends and tastes. Additionally, the US is home to some of the world's top universities and is a leader in research and innovation, attracting students and scholars from across the globe. The country's democratic values, ideals of freedom and opportunity, and its diverse and dynamic society further contribute to its soft power appeal. This soft power influence helps shape global public opinion, foster cultural exchanges, and build bridges between nations.
Global Leadership and Alliances: The US has traditionally taken a leading role in addressing global challenges and promoting certain democratic values and human rights norms. It has been at the forefront of international coalitions and initiatives to tackle issues such as climate change, pandemic response, and humanitarian crises. Through alliances like NATO and partnerships with countries in Europe, Asia, and beyond, the US wields considerable influence in shaping global agendas and policies. Its leadership role and network of alliances enhance its ability to influence international decision-making and promote its strategic interests.
Geopolitical Reach: The US has a vast network of diplomatic relations and exerts influence in multiple regions. It plays a significant role in the Western Hemisphere, with strong ties to countries in North and South America. Additionally, the US has critical interests and involvement in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, where it maintains a presence and wields influence over political, economic, and security matters. This geopolitical reach allows the US to shape regional dynamics and maintain its position as a global leader.
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Frequently asked questions
The United States has more land, with 3,797,000 square miles compared to Australia's 2,989,000 square miles.
Australia is the smallest of the seven traditional continents. The US is the third-largest country by land area, behind Russia and China.
The land area of the US is approximately 9,826,675 square kilometres, though this figure can vary depending on the source.
The US is larger than Brazil but smaller than Russia and Canada when it comes to total area.
