Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, with a land area of approximately 2,969,907 square miles. Despite its size, Australia is sparsely populated, with a population density of 3.4 people per square kilometre or 9 people per square mile, making it the third least densely populated country globally. Several factors contribute to Australia's low population, including its arid and desert geography, limited water sources, isolated towns and cities, and challenging climate conditions. The country's population is concentrated in coastal regions, with 89% living in urban areas, while the interior remains sparsely populated due to its dry and inhospitable conditions. Australia's low birth rates and high life expectancy, resulting in an ageing population, also contribute to its underpopulated status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population density | 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi) or 9 people per square mile |
| Population growth rate (2015-2020) | 1.3% |
| Population | 25,499,884 |
| Area | 7,682,264 sq km or 2,969,907 sq mi |
| Geography | Semi-arid and desert |
| Water sources | Limited |
| Migrant population | 6.7 million |
| Birth and death rates | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Arid and semi-arid geography
Australia's arid and semi-arid geography is a significant factor in its low population density. Around 70% of Australia is considered arid or semi-arid, making it the driest continent on Earth. The interior and west of the country are mostly desert, with extended periods of drought, intense heatwaves, and wildfires, making human settlements challenging. The availability of water is a significant challenge in the deserts, which cover over 386,000 square miles. Coastal areas with rainfall make up only 5% of Australia's territory but are home to 95% of its population.
The limited access to water in the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia has direct implications for human settlement. Groundwater is scarce or too saline for irrigation, and the lack of mountains results in little rainfall and a scarcity of rivers. These factors make it difficult to sustain agriculture and meet the water needs of a larger population.
Northern Australia, while less desert-like than the central and western regions, also presents challenges for human settlement. The soils in this region are nutrient-deficient, and the lack of mountains contributes to low rainfall and a limited number of water sources.
The arid and semi-arid conditions in Australia have influenced the distribution of its population. Australia's densely populated areas are concentrated in the East and Southeast, particularly in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra. In contrast, the central and western regions have smaller towns and lower populations.
The arid and semi-arid geography of Australia also impacts transportation and infrastructure development. Large areas of the country remain inaccessible, with significant distances between populated areas. This isolation and the lack of infrastructure can deter population growth in certain regions.
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Isolated towns and cities
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, with a land area of approximately 2,969,907 square miles. It has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with only nine people per square mile. The country's population is concentrated in its coastal regions, with 95% of the population living in these areas, which make up only five percent of Australia's territory. The centre of the country is arid and semi-arid, with extended periods of drought, heatwaves, and wildfires, making human settlements challenging.
The extreme geography and isolated towns and cities of Australia contribute to its sparse population. The country's eight most populated cities are concentrated in the East and Southeast, with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra having over 2 million people each. Perth, often regarded as the most isolated city globally, has over 2 million residents and is an exception to the eastern and southeastern concentration. Adelaide is close to the southeast, while Hobart and Darwin are in the southeast and central north, respectively.
The interior and west of Australia are predominantly desert, making human habitation difficult due to harsh conditions. The availability of water is a significant challenge in the deserts, impacting human settlements. The coastal regions, with their rainfall, offer a more conducive environment for population centres. Northern Australia, while less desert-like, also presents challenges for human settlements due to nutrient-deficient soils, limited rivers, and scarce or saline groundwater.
The isolated nature of many Australian towns and cities is further exacerbated by transportation and infrastructure limitations. Large swaths of the country's centre are devoid of transportation networks, making access difficult. The lack of infrastructure in these regions also contributes to their sparse population, as the cost of developing major cities in such areas would be substantial.
The unique characteristics of Australia's geography and the distribution of its population result in isolated towns and cities, contributing to the country's overall sparse population. The combination of arid and semi-arid lands, limited water sources, and challenging transportation and infrastructure conditions influence the population distribution and the overall underpopulated nature of the country.
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Limited water sources
Australia is the third least densely populated country in the world, with a population density of 3.4/km2 as of June 2022. The country's water resources are limited, and this has implications for its population distribution and potential growth.
Historically, Australia's variable rainfall has led to the construction of dams and reservoirs to ensure a consistent water supply for its population. The Murray-Darling Basin is Australia's largest river by capacity and supplies 55% of the country's total water usage, mainly for agriculture. However, the basin has experienced below-average groundwater levels due to low rainfall, affecting water availability.
Groundwater is an important water source for both urban and rural areas in Australia, but it has not recovered to pre-millennium drought levels. The sustainability of groundwater use is subject to climatic conditions and extraction pressures. Drought years since 2016 have further decreased groundwater levels and urban water security, increasing reliance on groundwater for urban water supply and irrigation.
To address water scarcity, Australia has turned to non-conventional water sources. Seawater desalination plays an increasingly significant role in the country's water supply, with desalination plants in major cities like Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation and snowmaking, is also common and expanding.
Water markets have emerged in Australia, with a turnover of $7 billion in 2019-2020, driven by high demand and low water availability. The southern Murray-Darling Basin is a significant area for water trade, along with Queensland, Tasmania, and southwest and northeast Western Australia.
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Low birth rates
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, but its population of around 25 million is relatively small. The country's population density is 3.4 people per square kilometre or 9 people per square mile, making it the third least densely populated country in the world.
One of the reasons for Australia's low population is its low birth rate. Australia's birth rate is below the stable population level of 2.1 children per woman, which leads to an ageing population. The country also has a low infant mortality rate, thanks to its advanced healthcare system.
Another factor contributing to the low birth rate in Australia could be the high cost of living. Australia has a high GDP per capita, which means that, although unemployment is low, living expenses are relatively high. This could be a factor in people's decisions about whether to have children.
Additionally, the geography of Australia may also play a role in its low birth rate. The country's interior is largely arid or semi-arid desert, with limited water sources and extreme weather conditions, making it challenging for human settlements. As a result, most of the population is concentrated in coastal cities, with Sydney and Melbourne each having over 5 million inhabitants. However, even these urban areas have relatively low population densities compared to other major cities worldwide.
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High immigration
Australia has a large immigrant population, with 6.7 million immigrants as of 2023, making up 28.2% of its total population. This is the 9th highest immigrant population in the world. Australia attracts migrant workers due to its rich natural resources, including large reserves of natural gas, oil, gold, uranium, and metal ores. The country's high GDP per capita, surplus resources, and low unemployment rate make it an attractive destination for those seeking better economic opportunities.
In the 21st century, Asia has been the largest source of immigrants to Australia. Net overseas migration reached a record level of 536,000 in 2022-23, with an overall migration of 739,000 during the same period. Net permanent and long-term arrivals in 2023 were 447,790, the highest on record. Most immigrants are skilled, but the immigration quota also includes categories for family members and refugees.
The high immigration rate in Australia is a significant contributor to its population growth. From 2015 to 2020, Australia had a population growth rate of 1.3%, ranking as the 21st country with the slowest population growth worldwide. While Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world in terms of land area, it has a low population density, with only 3.4 people per square kilometer as of June 2022, making it the third least densely populated country.
The country's vast land area and sparse population have led to a concentration of people in urban areas, particularly along the coastlines. Australia is highly urbanized, with 89% of its population living in a handful of urban centers. The largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, each have over five million residents, while Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra have populations above two million, one million, and 450,000, respectively.
Despite the high immigration rate, Australia's population growth is tempered by low birth and death rates, resulting in a low natural increase. Additionally, the country's extreme geography, with arid and desert conditions in much of the interior, makes human settlements challenging, particularly in central and western regions. However, the high immigration rate contributes to Australia's cultural diversity and economic growth, helping to address potential labor shortages and social isolation that can result from underpopulation.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, with a land area of approximately 2,969,907 square miles. However, it has a low population density of 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi) or 9 people per square mile, making it the third least densely populated country. This is due to its arid and desert geography, with around 70% of the country considered arid or semi-arid.
Underpopulation can have negative consequences on a country's economy, such as limitations in the workforce, fewer taxpayers, reduced economic growth, and the wasting of resources. Australia has a high GDP per capita of over $49,000 per person due to its abundant natural resources and low population.
Yes, Australia's extreme geography, isolated towns and cities, and limited water sources make human settlements challenging. The country's population is concentrated in coastal areas, with only medium-sized or very small towns in the central regions.
Australia has the ninth-highest immigrant population in the world, with 6.7 million immigrants making up 28.2% of its population. However, the country's overall population growth rate was 1.3% from 2015 to 2020, which was one of the slowest in the world.
