How Big is Australia Compared to Other Continents?

Australia, nestled in the southern hemisphere, often surprises people with its vast expanse. This section will explore how Australia stacks up against the skies of other continents, from the sprawling landscapes of North America to the hordes of densely packed populations in Europe.

Australia Compared to Mainland USA

When compared to the contiguous United States, Australia’s size becomes more apparent. Australia covers approximately 7,692,024 square kilometers, while the contiguous USA comprises 9,147,593 square kilometers. In raw numbers, the United States is roughly 18.5% larger than Australia. However, due to its sparse population, Australia’s territory feels much bigger and more open. The sparsely populated regions of the USA often feel more like gimlet grasslands in comparison.

Australia Compared to Europe

Europe, with a total area of approximately 10,180,000 square kilometers, is notably larger than Australia. This continent is a mosaic of diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes. Despite its smaller size, Europe is incredibly dense in terms of population and urbanization. The population of Australia is about 26 million, while Europe has around 750 million people. Thus, Europe’s population density is approximately 74.5 people per square kilometer, while Australia has a density of around 0.75 people per square kilometer, making Australia seem even more spacious in comparison.

Australia Compared to Japan

Japan, a country with a distinct identity and a population density of over 334 people per square kilometer, covers an area of 377,975 square kilometers. Compared to Australia, which covers 7,692,024 square kilometers, Japan is about one-nineteenth of Australia’s size. This stark difference in size and population density highlights why Japan is often bustling and crowded, while Australia feels vast and underpopulated.

Australia’s Population and Geography

Australia, with a population of around 26 million, is notably sparsely populated. Almost 90% of the Australian population lives within 240 kilometers of the coast, with the vast majority residing in a few key cities. The country’s vast arid to semi-arid interior makes the populated regions even more precious and challenging to reach. Despite being the sixth largest continent by size, only about 2% of Australia is suitable for agriculture, making much of the country uninhabitable due to its arid conditions.

Comparing Continents Through Digital Tools

The True Size app provides a handy way to visualize and compare the sizes of different countries and continents. Using this tool, you can see that, including Australia’s irregular shape, it is approximately 17.5% the size of Antarctica (14,000,000 sq km) and just over one-sixth the size of Asia (44,579,000 sq km).

Conclusion

Australia’s size, compared to other continents, makes it unique in its geographical landscape. The country’s vast expanses, sparse population, and semi-arid to arid conditions contribute to its distinct character and influence its cultural and economic development. Whether you are a geographer, a traveler, or simply curious about the continents of our planet, understanding Australia’s size relative to others can provide fascinating insights into the diversity of our world.