Lexi Webster
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, but its population density is incredibly low, with only 3.3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020. The country's extreme geography, aridity, and isolation have contributed to its sparse population. Around 70% of Australia is arid or semi-arid, making it the driest continent on the planet. Limited access to water and arable soil, particularly in the central and western regions, pose challenges for human settlements. Additionally, the high cost of living in densely populated cities and the preference for a certain quality of life have influenced the country's population distribution. While Australia's population growth rate has been relatively fast compared to other developed nations, the decision to maintain a lower population is largely political.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population Density | 3.3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020 |
| Population Growth | 3.5 times since 1945 |
| Geography | 2,485 miles in width and 2,299 miles from north to south |
| Land Area | 2,969,907 square miles |
| Aridity | 70% of Australia is arid or semi-arid |
| Annual Rainfall | Over 80% of Australia has annual rainfall of less than 23.6 inches |
| Climate Change Impact | Increased wildfires, droughts, floods, and longer fire seasons |
| Soil Quality | Lack of arable soil due to old and thin soils |
| Water Availability | Limited access to water in desert regions |
| Infrastructure | Lack of infrastructure to support quality of life |
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What You'll Learn
- Australia's geography is arid or semi-arid, with limited water access
- The country's high population density areas are costly
- Australia's infrastructure cannot support a higher quality of life
- The climate is affected by extreme weather, making farming difficult
- The Outback, a symbol of Australia, is sparsely populated
Australia's geography is arid or semi-arid, with limited water access
Australia is the driest populated continent on Earth, with the least fertile soils. The country's geography is arid or semi-arid, with limited water access and a massive evaporation rate. The dryness is governed mostly by the subtropical high-pressure belt (subtropical ridge), which brings dry air from the upper atmosphere down onto the continent. This high pressure is typically to the south of Australia in the summer and over the north of Australia in the winter. Hence, Australia typically has dry summers in the south and dry winters in the north.
The Australian climate is variable, with frequent droughts lasting several seasons, caused in part by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. The country experiences a wide variety of climates due to its large geographical size. The largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid. Only the southeast and southwest corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The central four-fifths of the state is semi-arid or desert and is lightly inhabited, with the only significant activity being mining. Annual rainfall averages about 200 to 250 mm (8 to 10 inches), most of which occurs in sporadic torrential falls related to cyclone events in the summer months.
The absence of any significant mountain range or area of substantial height above sea level results in very little rainfall caused by orographic uplift. In the east, the Great Dividing Range limits rain from moving inland. Australia has a compact shape, and no significant bodies of water penetrate very far inland, preventing moist winds from penetrating inland and keeping rainfall low. In the vast arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, groundwater recharge volumes are minor compared to the quantities stored in aquifers. High evaporation rates and limited groundwater recharge have resulted in saline groundwater in several areas of the Western Australian tablelands.
In Australia, over 30% of groundwater is used for drinking water supply, irrigation, and livestock, among other purposes. The largest consumer is agriculture, which uses an estimated 2.2 billion cubic meters annually. Wheat irrigation is a primary use, as wheat is the main crop for both domestic consumption and export. In dry and semi-arid regions, groundwater is the only reliable source of freshwater.
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The country's high population density areas are costly
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, but it has a low population density of 3.3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020. Its largest cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, have higher population densities, but these are still relatively low compared to other major cities worldwide. For example, Melbourne's inner city has a population density of 22,400 people per square kilometre.
The country's low population density is partly due to its geography and climate. About 70% of Australia is arid or semi-arid, making it the driest continent on Earth. Limited access to water in these areas, covering over 386,000 square miles, contributes to the sparse population. Coastal areas with rainfall make up only 5% of Australia's territory but are home to 95% of its population. Northern Australia has nutrient-deficient soil, and the lack of mountains results in little rainfall and few rivers. Groundwater is also scarce or too saline for irrigation.
The high population density areas in Australia, such as its major cities, can be costly. Living in the biggest cities can be incredibly expensive, with apartments costing millions. In contrast, huge plots of land in less populated areas can be more affordable. The cost of living in densely populated areas includes the amenities and benefits of urban life, but for some, it may not be worth the price.
Additionally, high population density can lead to overcrowding and less autonomy. While Australia's largest cities are not as overcrowded as places like Mumbai, it is still a concern. People in densely populated cities often work 9-to-5 jobs, commute on crowded trains, and have limited choices in their daily lives. In contrast, those in remote or slower-paced communities tend to have more control over their water and food quality and how they spend their time.
The drawbacks of high population density areas in Australia also include increased pollution of air, water, and land. Urban sustainability programs aim to reduce pollution and improve air and water quality, but it remains a challenge.
While Australia's population growth has been fast for a developed country since 1945, with a rate of immigration surpassing other developed nations, the country still faces infrastructure challenges. Building major cities requires significant investment in infrastructure, which can be costly and impact the quality of life that people desire.
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Australia's infrastructure cannot support a higher quality of life
Australia's vast landmass is home to a relatively small population, and its infrastructure plays a crucial role in maintaining the country's quality of life. While Australia has high-performing social infrastructure sectors by international standards, there are concerns about its ability to keep up with a growing population and changing needs.
Australia's population density is incredibly low, with 3.3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020. In contrast, countries like India and the United States have much higher population densities. This low density has implications for infrastructure development and sustainability.
The country's infrastructure faces challenges in several key areas. Firstly, there is the issue of urban sustainability. As more people move to cities, Australia's infrastructure networks in large cities are under increasing strain. This is particularly evident in the cost of road congestion, which is projected to rise significantly by 2031. Additionally, transport emissions have increased by 9% since 2015, and there is a lack of policy to address this issue.
Secondly, Australia's infrastructure investment levels are below the OECD average. While over $123 billion of work has commenced since 2015, and $200 billion has been committed for future projects, more investment is needed to keep up with the country's growth and maintain its quality of life.
Furthermore, Australia's social infrastructure, which includes social housing stock, green recreation space, and health and education services, varies in accessibility and quality across different places and groups of people. While the country has high rankings in quality of life and standard of living, there are disparities in access to infrastructure, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Lastly, Australia's infrastructure contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings and infrastructure are responsible for almost one-third of the country's total carbon emissions and indirectly responsible for over half of all emissions. This raises concerns about the sustainability of current practices and the need for more eco-friendly regulations.
In conclusion, Australia's infrastructure faces challenges in keeping up with the country's growth and maintaining a high quality of life for its citizens. While Australia has high international rankings in quality of life, there are disparities in access to infrastructure and concerns about sustainability and emissions. To support a growing population, targeted investments and improvements are necessary across various sectors, including transport, energy, water, telecommunications, and social infrastructure.
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The climate is affected by extreme weather, making farming difficult
Australia's climate is impacted by extreme weather events, including floods, cyclones, heatwaves, bushfires, droughts, and storms. These events have disrupted traditional farming methods and made it challenging to reliably produce crops. For example, heavy rain storms can ruin crops and cut off towns, while heatwaves and droughts can make farming conditions extremely difficult. The impact of these extreme weather events is expected to intensify due to climate change, threatening the productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
The agricultural sector in Australia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and farmers are already experiencing its adverse effects. Inconsistent rainfall, warmer temperatures, and more extreme rainfall patterns are among the challenges faced by Australian farmers. These factors contribute to longer and more severe droughts, worsening fire conditions, and soil erosion, all of which negatively affect crop yields and the suitability of land for agricultural purposes. Climate change is also predicted to increase the frequency and severity of grain shortages, leading to price spikes and impacting the availability and affordability of food.
To adapt to these changing climatic conditions, Australian farmers are adopting new technologies and innovative farming practices. Advanced irrigation management systems, for instance, help optimize water usage and ensure crops receive sufficient hydration during dry periods. Additionally, farmers are utilizing early warning systems and modifying their practices by planting different crops or varieties that are more suited to the evolving conditions.
The Australian government and various organizations are also providing support to farmers by facilitating access to resources and technologies designed to tackle climate challenges. This collective approach enhances the resilience and adaptability of the agricultural sector, empowering farmers to manage the uncertainties and challenges posed by extreme weather events.
While Australia has significant agricultural production and exports, the impact of extreme weather events on farming practices contributes to the country's lower population density. The challenges of sustaining certain farming activities in the face of climate change influence the distribution and concentration of populations within Australia.
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The Outback, a symbol of Australia, is sparsely populated
Australia is the sixth largest nation in the world in terms of physical area, yet its population density is remarkably low. As of June 2020, Australia's population density was 3.3 people per square kilometre. This is in stark contrast to countries like India, with a population density of 464 people per square kilometre, and even the United States, with 36 people per square kilometre.
The Outback, a remote, vast, and sparsely populated area, covers 70% of Australia, yet only 5% of the population resides there. The term "Outback" refers to the vast, sparsely populated regions behind the cities and towns. While often associated with arid regions, the Outback encompasses diverse climatic zones, including tropical and monsoonal climates in the north, arid areas in the "Red Centre", and semi-arid and temperate climates in the south. The Outback's low population density is due to several factors. Firstly, it has a unique combination of geographical and environmental characteristics, including a lack of glacial activity for around 300,000 years, resulting in flat terrain and thin, infertile soils. Secondly, the Outback's remoteness and distance from major cities and towns contribute to its sparse population. Finally, the economic activities in the Outback, primarily agriculture, tourism, and mining, may not attract a large permanent population.
The Outback holds a special place in Australian culture, history, and folklore. It features prominently in Australian art and has popular tourist destinations such as Kakadu National Park, Kata Tjuta, and Uluru. However, the sparse population of the Outback has implications for infrastructure and access to essential services. For example, the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides critical medical care to Outback residents, and children in these remote areas are often educated at home through the School of the Air using satellite telecommunication.
While the Outback is a symbol of Australia, its sparse population is not solely due to environmental factors. Australia's population growth has been rapid by developed country standards since 1945, and the country has the highest rate of immigration among developed nations. However, the distribution of this population is heavily skewed towards urban centres, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne having significantly higher population densities. This trend is influenced by the drawbacks of living in densely populated areas, such as increased pollution, higher costs, and reduced autonomy. As a result, many Australians choose to live in less populated areas or in the bush, contributing to the sparse population of the Outback and reinforcing the urban-rural divide.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has a low population density because most of the country is desert and presents extremely difficult living conditions.
Australia has a land area of over 7.6 million km² and a population of 23 million, giving it a population density of around 3 people per km².
Australia has low birth and death rates, good healthcare provision, and high adult literacy at 99%.
Historical factors such as the displacement and mistreatment of Aboriginal peoples and the country's global isolation have also contributed to Australia's low population.
