
Australia and the USA are two of the world's largest countries, with distinctive topographies and climates. The United States is approximately 9,833,517 sq km, while Australia spans roughly 7,741,220 sq km, making the US around 27% larger than Australia. In terms of population, the US is far denser, with 311.2 million more people than Australia, which has a population of about 26.1 million.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land Area | United States: 9.9 million km² Australia: 7.7 million km² |
| Population | United States: 333 million (2022 est.) Australia: 26 million (2022 est.) |
| Population Density | United States: 33.5 persons/km² Australia: 3.4 persons/km² |
| Largest City | United States: New York City, 8.5 million Australia: Sydney, 5.3 million |
| Capital City | United States: Washington, D.C., 705,749 Australia: Canberra, 467,640 |
| Number of States | United States: 50 Australia: 6 |
| Time Zones | United States: 9 Australia: 3 |
| Coastline | United States: 19,924 km Australia: 25,760 km |
| Highest Point | United States: Denali, 6,190 m Australia: Mount Kosciuszko, 2,228 m |
| Lowest Point | United States: Death Valley, -86 m Australia: Lake Eyre, -15 m |
| GDP (Nominal) | United States: $25.44 trillion (2022 est.) Australia: $1.73 trillion (2022 est.) |
| GDP Per Capita | United States: $76,448 (2022 est.) Australia: $66,905 (2022 est.) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Australia is 1.2% bigger than the continental US
Australia is approximately 1.2% bigger than the continental US. While both countries are among the largest in the world, Australia covers an area of around 7.7 million square kilometres, while the continental US spans about 7.5 million square kilometres. This makes Australia the world's sixth-largest country, while the US is the third-largest.
To put this into perspective, travelling from Sydney to Perth in Australia is roughly equivalent to travelling from New York to Los Angeles in the US. Additionally, the population of the entire country of Australia is comparable to that of the single state of Texas in the US.
The vast sizes of both countries come with significant environmental responsibilities. Australia, with its expansive wilderness areas, faces challenges in protecting endangered species such as the koala and addressing issues like droughts and bushfires. The US, on the other hand, boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the Everglades in Florida to the mountains and plains, and must address conservation in these varied ecosystems.
Both countries play crucial roles in global environmental health, and their approaches to conservation and sustainability are vital in combating climate change and habitat destruction. Australia, for example, has 439 named rivers, while the US has over 250,000. The Missouri River in the US is the longest, at 3,768 kilometres, while Australia's longest river is the Murray River, spanning 2,375 kilometres.
Applying for NICOP: A Guide for Australians
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The US has 250,000+ rivers, Australia has 439
The United States of America is bigger than Australia in terms of land area. The US measures 3.797 million square miles, while Australia covers 2.989 million square miles. However, Australia is not much smaller than the continental US. To put it into perspective, travelling from Sydney to Perth in Australia is about the same distance as travelling from New York to Los Angeles in the US.
The US also has a much larger population than Australia. The whole of Australia has about the same number of people as the state of Texas.
In addition to these differences, there is a notable disparity in the number of rivers in the two countries. The US has over 250,000 rivers, totalling around 3,500,000 miles of rivers. These waterways have served as integral trade routes, borders, passageways, and more. They have also been harnessed for power with waterwheels and dams, used for irrigation, and even set on fire.
On the other hand, Australia has 439 rivers listed in the Geographical Names Register. Despite the lower number of rivers, Australia's river systems are vast and varied, flowing through diverse landscapes from alpine regions to the arid outback. These waterways are significant for the continent's ecology and human history. They provide water for agriculture and domestic use, support biodiversity, and hold cultural value for Indigenous communities.
Some of Australia's notable rivers include the Murray River, the longest in the country, which originates in the Australian Alps and flows into the Southern Ocean. The Darling River, which begins in the mountains of New South Wales, combines with the Murray near Wentworth. The Murrumbidgee River, generally recognised as the second-longest river in Australia, starts in the alpine region of New South Wales and joins the Murray as well.
Notams in Australia: Where to Find Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99

The US is the world's third-largest country
The United States is the world's third-largest country, spanning approximately 9.8 million square kilometres. In comparison, Australia is the sixth-largest country, covering an area of roughly 7.7 million square kilometres. This means that the US is around 1.28 times larger than Australia, with a land area of 3.797 million square miles compared to Australia's 2.989 million square miles.
The US is known for its diverse geography, ranging from vast plains to towering mountain ranges, while Australia is celebrated for its sprawling outback and picturesque coastlines. The US boasts various geographical features, such as the Grand Canyon and the Great Lakes, while Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife and natural landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef.
Both countries have significant land masses and play crucial roles in global environmental health. They face unique environmental challenges due to their diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The US, for example, has over 250,000 rivers, while Australia has 439 named rivers. The Missouri River in the US is the longest at 3,768 kilometres, while the Murray River in Australia spans 2,375 kilometres.
The vast sizes of the US and Australia also bring significant responsibilities for conservation and sustainability. Both countries have made efforts to protect their natural landscapes and address the environmental impacts of urban and industrial areas. These efforts are vital in combating climate change and preserving the diverse ecosystems that each country is known for.
In summary, the United States is the world's third-largest country, surpassed only by Canada and Russia. Its size and geographical diversity contribute to its significant environmental responsibilities and unique challenges in conservation and sustainability.
Australian Accent Evolution: What's Changing and Why?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Australia is the world's sixth-largest country
Australia's vast size brings with it unique environmental responsibilities. The country is renowned for its expansive wilderness areas and unique biodiversity, but it also faces critical challenges such as droughts and bushfires. Efforts are continuously made to conserve diverse ecosystems, from the Great Barrier Reef to the arid outback. Australia has 439 named rivers, with the Murray River being the longest at 2,375 kilometres.
The USA also has significant environmental responsibilities, with diverse landscapes ranging from the Everglades in Florida to the vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. The country has over 250,000 rivers, with the Missouri River being the longest at 3,768 kilometres. Both countries play crucial roles in global environmental health, with their large land masses and unique ecosystems.
Despite being the sixth-largest country in the world, Australia's population is relatively small. The whole of Australia has approximately the same number of people as the state of Texas in the US. This highlights the vastness of the Australian landscape and the sparsity of its population distribution.
In summary, Australia is the world's sixth-largest country, slightly larger than the continental USA (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). This vast land mass brings with it unique environmental challenges and responsibilities, and Australia is known for its sprawling outback and picturesque coastlines.
Limestone Sources in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The US has a much larger population
While Australia is the world's sixth-largest country, spanning approximately 7.7 million square kilometres, the US is the third-largest, covering around 9.8 million square kilometres. This means that the US is around 1.28 times larger than Australia. However, the population of the US is significantly higher than that of Australia. In fact, the entire population of Australia is comparable to that of the state of Texas in the US.
The US has a total population of over 333 million people, according to estimates from the US Census Bureau in 2022. This makes it the third-most populous country in the world, after China and India. On the other hand, Australia's population is much smaller, with around 26 million people as of 2023. This places Australia as the 54th most populous country in the world.
The population density in the US is also higher than in Australia. Despite having a larger land area, the US has a population that is more than twelve times that of Australia. This is due to several factors, including historical events and immigration policies. The US has a long history of immigration, dating back to the colonial era, which has contributed to its diverse and growing population. In contrast, Australia has a smaller population, partly due to its geographic isolation and more stringent immigration policies.
The high population of the US has significant implications for various aspects of the country. For instance, the US has over 5,300 universities, including world-renowned institutions such as Harvard University. In contrast, Australia has 43 universities, with the Australian National University being one of the top-ranked ones. The population disparity also influences cultural and social dynamics, with the US known for its diverse ethnic and cultural groups, contributing to a vibrant and varied society.
The large population of the US also presents challenges, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and resource management. With a vast number of people, the country faces significant responsibilities in addressing climate change, managing pollution, and preserving natural resources. The impact of human activity on the environment is more pronounced, and sustainable practices become even more crucial to ensure the well-being of both the population and the planet.
Australian Native Plants: Secrets to Success
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The USA is around 27% bigger than Australia. The USA has a land area of 3.797 million square miles, while Australia's land area is 2.989 million square miles.
Yes, the population of the USA is much bigger than that of Australia. The USA has a population of around 311.2 million, while Australia's population is approximately 26.1 million.
Australia is about the same size as the continental USA.
The distance from Sydney to Perth is roughly the same as the distance from New York to Los Angeles.
The whole of Australia has a similar population to the state of Texas.








































![LENCENT World to US Plug Adapter, [2 Packs] European EU Europe/UK/Australia/China/Italy to USA American Outlet Power Adaptor Travel Plug Adapter](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61vBOoIYAiL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
