Leslie Massey
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area, but it is sparsely populated, with one of the lowest population densities globally. The country's population is concentrated in the east and southeast, with Sydney and Melbourne each having over 5 million people, and Brisbane and Canberra having over 2 million and 450,000 people, respectively. This is due to various geographical features, with almost 80% of Australians living within 25 km of the coast, in major coastal urban centres. The coastal plains of the eastern states of Australia have a predominantly temperate climate, with mild to warm summers and cold winters, and higher humidity. In contrast, the interior and west of Australia are mostly desert, making human settlements challenging due to extreme conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population of Australia | 27.2 million as of June 30, 2024 |
| Population growth | 1.4% per year on average over the past 3 decades |
| Population density | 3.5/km2 (9.1/sq mi) as of 2024 |
| Population distribution | 80% of the population lives within 25 km (16 mi) of the coast |
| Coastal Plains climate | Temperate with mild/warm summers and cold winters |
| Eastern Highlands | Series of mountains in the south topped by Mount Kosciuszko |
| Western Plateau | Relatively flat, about 183 m (600 ft) above sea level |
| Tasmania | Used for agriculture, has rounded smoothness in mountain ranges |
| Central Highlands | Most mountainous region, covering central west parts of Tasmania |
| Northern Australia climate | Grassland, subtropical to equatorial, with no winter and very hot summers |
| Western Australia climate | Hot desert due to subtropical high-pressure belt and climate drivers |
| Central Australia | Very dry with low rainfall |
| Population concentration | Densely populated areas in the East and Southeast |
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What You'll Learn
The Eastern Coastal Plains have a temperate climate
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area, with a territorial area of 7,688,287 square kilometres. Despite its massive size, it has one of the lowest population densities globally, with only nine people per square mile. The country's geography is extremely diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to large deserts, grasslands, heathlands, woodlands, and forests. The population is not evenly distributed across this varied landscape. The Eastern Coastal Plains, along with the Swan Coastal Plain in the southwestern corner of the mainland, are the most densely populated areas of the country.
The temperate climate of the Eastern Coastal Plains supports diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and heathlands. The Eastern Highlands, located inland from the Eastern Coastal Plains, consist of mountains, volcanic plugs, ash domes, and flow remnants. The Western Plateau, which lies to the west of the Eastern Coastal Plains, is a relatively flat area with low mountainous ranges in the north.
The combination of a temperate climate and varied topography in the Eastern Coastal Plains has made the region conducive to human settlement. The coastal location provides access to marine resources and facilitates trade and transportation. The plains offer fertile land for agriculture, while the nearby mountains provide sources of freshwater and raw materials. The mild summers and cold winters are generally comfortable for human habitation, and the increased humidity can support vegetation growth.
The Eastern Coastal Plains' temperate climate has played a significant role in shaping the region's development and continues to be an essential aspect of its appeal and livability.
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The region has high humidity
Australia's population is concentrated in the eastern coastal region due to various geographical features, with almost 80% of the population living within 25 km of the coast. The region has a predominantly temperate climate, with mild to warm summers and cold winters, and is among the areas with the highest humidity on the mainland.
The eastern coastal region of Australia is characterised by its high humidity, which is a result of its proximity to the ocean. The moisture-laden ocean breezes contribute to the humid environment, particularly during the summer months. This high humidity has made the region favourable for human settlement, supporting the development of thriving urban centres.
The coastal plains of eastern Australia, including the lower south-eastern region, exhibit higher humidity levels compared to the interior regions. This humidity is influenced by the surrounding oceans, particularly the Pacific Ocean to the east, which provides a constant source of moisture-rich air. The interaction between the warm ocean waters and the landmass results in the evaporation of water, leading to increased moisture content in the air, contributing to the overall humidity of the region.
The Eastern Highlands, a series of mountains in the south topped by Mount Kosciuszko, also play a role in shaping the humidity of the eastern coastal region. The mountains influence the movement of air masses, causing them to rise and cool, which can lead to the formation of clouds and the release of moisture, thereby enhancing the humidity levels in the area. This orographic effect, where mountains influence the condensation of moisture and the formation of clouds, contributes to the overall humid environment along the coast.
The high humidity of the eastern coastal region has implications for the local ecology and human activities. The moisture-rich environment supports the growth of temperate forests and grasslands, contributing to the region's biodiversity. However, managing humidity levels in buildings and infrastructure becomes a consideration for human settlements, as excessive humidity can lead to issues such as mould growth and discomfort for residents. Nonetheless, the region's humidity is a defining factor that shapes the local climate and the choices people make when deciding where to live.
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The majority of settlers came from the British Isles
The eastern coastal region of Australia is densely populated due to a variety of historical and geographical factors. One significant factor is the influx of British settlers, the majority of whom came from the British Isles, during the establishment of the penal colony in 1788.
The history of British settlement in Australia began with the appointment of Arthur Phillip as captain of the HMS Sirius by the British government in October 1786. Phillip was tasked with establishing an agricultural work camp for British convicts on the eastern side of Australia, which was then known as New South Wales. On 19 April 1770, the Endeavour ship reached the east coast of New Holland (as Australia was then called) and anchored at Botany Bay. Cook charted the coast and formally took possession of the land, claiming it for Great Britain. This voyage played a crucial role in the British colonisation of Australia.
The first fleet of settlers, led by Phillip, consisted of a contingent of Marines, other officers, and over 700 convicts. The eight-month journey to Australia encountered challenges and setbacks, resulting in the deaths of approximately 30 men. The early years of settlement were difficult, marked by a lack of experienced farmers, inadequate funding, and insufficient resources. Despite these obstacles, the British settlement in Australia persisted and grew.
The British settlement in Australia was initially intended as a self-sufficient penal colony focused on agriculture. However, it faced challenges due to a lack of agricultural expertise among the convicts and insufficient support from the British government. This led to a significant amendment to the settlement plan, proposed by Matra, which included the idea of using convicts as settlers. Matra argued that this approach would benefit both the economy and the individuals involved.
The eastern coastal region of Australia became a focal point for British settlement due to its accessibility and proximity to the ocean, facilitating trade and transportation. The establishment of the penal colony in this region attracted a significant number of British settlers, contributing to the dense population over time. The introduction of diseases by the settlers, such as measles, influenza, typhoid, and tuberculosis, also resulted in high death rates among the Aboriginal communities, further impacting the population dynamics in the region.
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The Eastern Highlands are mountainous
Australia's population is concentrated in the east and southeast, with 73% of its inhabitants living in major coastal urban centres. The most densely populated areas are located in the Coastal Plains of the eastern states of Australia. This is due to a variety of geographical features, including a temperate climate, proximity to the coast, and higher rainfall.
The Central Lowlands lie between the Eastern Highlands and the Western Plateau and are formed by the Murray-Darling Basin and Lake Eyre Basin. The Western Plateau, in contrast, is a relatively flat area about 183 metres (600 ft) above sea level, with low mountain ranges in the north of Western Australia and isolated uplands in the Northern Territory.
The mountainous regions of New South Wales experience cold temperatures, with temperatures frequently dropping to 23 degrees Fahrenheit below zero. The Central Highlands area, covering most of the central west parts of Tasmania, is the most mountainous region in Australia, with mountain ranges that have a 'rounded smoothness'.
Australia's unique geography, including its mountainous regions, isolated towns and cities, and limited water sources, contributes to its sparse population. The country has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with only nine people per square mile.
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73% of Australians live in major coastal urban centres
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, with a land area of approximately 2,969,907 square miles, making it the largest country in Oceania. Despite its massive size, it has a sparse population and one of the lowest population densities in the world, with only nine people per square mile. This is due to its vast and arid land, as well as historical factors such as the displacement and mistreatment of Aboriginal peoples. The country's unique geography, with isolated towns and cities, and limited water sources, makes it one of the least populated countries in the world.
The majority of Australia's population is concentrated in the east and southeast, with 73% of Australians living in major coastal urban centres. The most densely populated geographic areas of the country are located in the Coastal Plains of the eastern states of Australia and the Swan Coastal Plain in the southwestern corner of the mainland. In contrast, the vast centre of the country is virtually uninhabited. This disparity is reflected in Australia's mean population density of 3.5/km2 (9.1/sq mi) as of 2024.
Several factors contribute to the high population density of the eastern coastal region of Australia. One factor is the temperate climate of the region, which offers mild to warm summers and cold winters. The coastal location also provides access to trade and transportation routes, making it a favourable location for urban development. Additionally, the eastern coastal region is home to several major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra, which have high population densities. These cities offer economic opportunities, cultural attractions, and infrastructure that draw people towards them.
The geography of the eastern coastal region also plays a role in its population density. The area is characterised by its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, temperate forests, grasslands, and heathlands. The availability of flat land in certain areas, such as the Tasmanian Midlands, has made it suitable for agricultural development, supporting human settlements. The region's proximity to the ocean has also made it a desirable location for those seeking coastal lifestyles or water-based activities.
While the eastern coastal region is densely populated, it is important to note that Australia's population is not evenly distributed along its coastline. The population density varies along the coast, with higher concentrations in urban centres and their surrounding areas. Additionally, the coastal regions in the southwest and southeast, including Tasmania, also have moderate population densities due to their temperate climates. Overall, the combination of favourable climate, geographic features, economic opportunities, and urban development has led to the high population density in Australia's eastern coastal region, contributing to the concentration of 73% of Australians in major coastal urban centres.
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Frequently asked questions
The eastern coastal region of Australia is densely populated due to its temperate climate, with mild/warm summers and cold winters, and higher rainfall. The interior and west of Australia are mostly arid desert, which makes human settlements challenging due to extreme conditions.
Australia's population was 27.2 million as of June 30, 2024, with an average growth rate of around 1.4% per year over the past three decades. Australia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with only nine people per square mile.
The eastern coastal region of Australia is characterised by its predominantly temperate climate, with mild to warm summers and cold winters. The area also has the highest humidity on the mainland. The Eastern Highlands, a series of mountains in the south, are topped by Mount Kosciuszko.
Yes, apart from the eastern coastal region, the other densely populated geographic area in Australia is the Swan Coastal Plain and its surroundings in the southwestern corner of the mainland.
Australia's sparse population is largely due to its vast and arid land, as well as historical factors such as the displacement and mistreatment of the Aboriginal peoples. The country's extreme geography, isolated towns and cities, and limited water sources also make it one of the least populated countries in the world.
