Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country by total area, and it is both a continent and a country. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the land area:
Total Land Area:
- Approximate size: 2.94 billion acres, or 7.7 million square kilometers (about 3 million square miles).
- This includes mainland Australia, the island of Tasmania, and other smaller islands that are part of the country.
Key Features of Australia’s Land Area:
- Mainland Australia:
- The mainland itself occupies about 2.68 billion acres (around 6.9 million square kilometers).
- Tasmania:
- The island of Tasmania, which is a state of Australia, adds another 16.4 million acres (approximately 68,401 square kilometers).
- Other Islands:
- Numerous smaller islands, including those in the Torres Strait and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, contribute to Australia’s total land area.
Geographical Breakdown:
- Deserts: The country has vast desert regions, including the Great Victoria Desert, Great Sandy Desert, and Simpson Desert, which together make up a large portion of the landmass.
- Rainforests: On the eastern coast, particularly in Queensland, there are tropical rainforests like the Daintree Rainforest, which are part of the World Heritage Sites.
- Mountain Ranges: The Great Dividing Range runs parallel to the east coast, influencing much of the country’s climate and water systems.
- Coastal Plains: Australia’s coastal regions, particularly in the south and southeast, are more densely populated and have fertile agricultural lands.
Usage of Land in Australia:
- Agriculture: A large portion of Australia’s land is used for agriculture, including extensive sheep and cattle grazing (especially in the outback), as well as crops like wheat, barley, and sugarcane.
- National Parks and Protected Areas: Australia has numerous national parks and reserves that help conserve its unique biodiversity. Notable examples include Kakadu National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
- Urban Areas: Most of Australia’s population lives in coastal cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Comparison to Other Countries:
- Australia’s total land area is almost 2.5 times the size of the United States, and it’s roughly the same size as the combined areas of India, China, and Europe.