How Big is Australia Compared to Other Countries?
Australia, often dubbed the “Land Down Under,” boasts the title of the sixth-largest country globally.
With an area sprawling over 7.6 million square kilometres, it’s vast enough to encompass diverse ecosystems, from coral reefs to deserts.
But what does this mean when compared to the world’s other nations? Let’s examine some numbers.
Are you curious to see just how massive Australia really is?
Check out our latest video, in which we break down Australia’s size with eye-opening comparisons and fun facts.
Watch the video now and get a new perspective on this vast and incredible country!
How Big is Australia?
Spanning over 7.6 million square kilometres, the size of this southern continent is truly remarkable.
Australia’s vast and expansive land area makes it one of the largest countries in the world.
When you think about it, Australia’s sheer size is a testament to freedom and endless possibilities.
Australia’s land area is immense, stretching from coast to coast and having a width of approximately 3,860 kilometres at its widest point.
This means that you could fit multiple countries within its borders!
Australia offers various landscapes that cater to every adventurer’s dream, from the golden beaches along the coastline to the rugged outback in the interior.
With such a large land area, it’s no wonder that there are countless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
You can explore ancient rainforests in Queensland and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s expansive territory.
Australia’s Size in Comparison to Other Countries
Australia often stands out on the global map due to its vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and sheer landmass.
Compared to other nations, the size of this nation-continent presents an interesting perspective.
Is Australia bigger than the USA?
Spanning an area of 7,682,300 sq km, Australia closely trails the size of the United States.
While it’s the tiniest continent globally, it ranks as the sixth-largest country.
In contrast, the United States covers over 9.8 million sq km, positioning it as the world’s fourth-largest nation.
While the USA may have a larger area, Australia’s sheer size is still impressive, considering its population density and infrastructure.
Despite its smaller land area than the USA, Australia has a significantly larger landmass due to its isolated geography and expansive interior.
Is Australia bigger than Canada?
Canada’s land area surpasses Australia’s by roughly 1.3 times.
With an area of over 7.6 million sq km, Australia is significantly smaller than Canada’s vast 9,984,670 sq km—a difference that makes Canada 29% larger.
Located in the northern region of North America, Canada extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific in the west, reaching the icy expanses of the Arctic Ocean.
As the second-largest nation in land area, it covers 9.98 million square kilometres (3.85 million square miles).
Is Europe bigger than Australia?
Europe’s landmass exceeds Australia’s by roughly 1.3 times.
Australia’s area of over 7.6 million sq km pales in comparison to Europe’s vast 10,180,000 sq km, which results in Europe being 32% more expansive.
Europe forms the western section of Eurasia. It is situated wholly in the Northern Hemisphere and predominantly in the Eastern Hemisphere.
It is flanked by the Arctic Ocean to its north, the Atlantic Ocean to its west, the Mediterranean Sea to its south, and Asia to its eastern side.
How big is Australia compared to Russia?
Australia, with its expansive landscapes, covers an area of about 7.6 million square kilometres.
In contrast, Russia, the largest country in the world, spans a colossal 17.1 million square kilometres.
This means Russia is more than twice the size of Australia.
The Russian Federation encompasses an incredible expanse of land, dwarfing Australia’s sheer land area.
Australia’s Individual State and Territory Sizes
Australia, often called the “island continent”, is divided into six states and two territories.
Each of these states and territories has its unique charm, culture, and geographical features, and they vary considerably in size.
Let’s examine the size of each state and territory to understand the vastness of this magnificent nation.
Western Australia (WA)
The largest state in Australia, Western Australia, stretches over approximately 2.6 million square kilometres.
This massive state encompasses everything from arid deserts to fertile wine regions, with Perth as its capital.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland, renowned for its sun-soaked beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, covers around 1.8 million square kilometres.
It also holds the title of being the second-largest state in Australia.
Brisbane, a vibrant and fast-growing city, is the state’s capital.
Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory, known for its iconic natural landmarks like Uluru, spans about 1.4 million square kilometres. Darwin, located in the tropical top end, is the territory’s capital.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia spans approximately 984,377 square kilometres and is known for its deserts, coastal areas, and the famous Barossa Valley wine region.
Adelaide is the state’s capital, known for its festivals and culinary delights.
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales is Australia’s most populous state and covers an area of approximately 801,150 square kilometres. It’s home to the iconic city of Sydney, which serves as the state’s capital.
Victoria (VIC)
Smaller in comparison to NSW, Victoria spans around 227,444 square kilometres.
Despite its smaller size, it’s densely populated, with Melbourne as its capital, often hailed as Australia’s cultural hub.
Tasmania (TAS)
This island state, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, covers around 68,401 square kilometres. Hobart, a picturesque city nestled by the sea, is its capital.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The smallest territory, the ACT, covers only 2,358 square kilometres. It’s home to the nation’s capital, Canberra, and is an enclave within New South Wales.
Australia’s Coastline Length
Explore the stunning coastline of this vast country, stretching over 34,000 kilometres and offering breathtaking views at every turn.
Australia’s size is remarkable, and its coastline length adds to its grandeur.
Whether you’re a surfer riding the waves in Byron Bay or a beach lover soaking up the sun on Bondi Beach, there is something for everyone along this expansive shoreline.
The length of Australia’s coastline provides endless opportunities for exploration.
From the rugged cliffs of Western Australia’s Great Australian Bight to the pristine beaches of Queensland’s Gold Coast, each stretch offers its unique charm.
You can go snorkelling in the vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef or stroll along the white sandy beaches of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays.
Not only does Australia boast an extensive coastline, but it also has some iconic landmarks that are situated right by the sea.
The Sydney Opera House stands proudly against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour Bridge, creating a picturesque scene that attracts visitors worldwide.
The Twelve Apostles in Victoria showcase nature’s incredible power. These limestone stacks rise majestically from the Southern Ocean.
Australia’s coastline is about more than its sheer length; it represents freedom, beauty, and limitless possibilities.
Unique Features and Records Within Australia
Dive deep into the heart of Australia, and you’ll uncover a treasure trove of unique features and astounding records that set this island continent apart.
The Outback: Australia’s vast interior
Get ready to be amazed by the vastness of Australia’s interior, known as The Outback. It’s truly a sight to behold.
When you think of Australia, it’s hard not to picture the iconic landscapes of the Outback.
Stretching across millions of square kilometres, this vast expanse of land is unlike anything else.
The Outback is home to stunning deserts, rugged mountains, and breathtaking gorges.
It offers a sense of freedom and adventure that’s unparalleled.
From exploring ancient rock formations to encountering unique wildlife, every moment spent in the Outback is filled with awe and wonder.
The Great Barrier Reef: The world’s largest coral reef system
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll encounter an awe-inspiring display of vibrant coral and mesmerizing marine life.
It’s truly a breathtaking experience to witness the world’s largest coral reef system right here in Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 kilometres along Australia’s northeastern coast, making it an iconic part of the country’s geography.
With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and diverse ecosystem, this reef has become a sanctuary for countless species of fish, turtles, dolphins, and even sharks.
Snorkelling or diving in these pristine waters lets you get up close and personal with this magnificent underwater world.
Notable Record Holders in Australia
Australia is home to some incredible record holders that are worth mentioning.
These are just a few examples of the many noteworthy records and world firsts found throughout this vast country.
Australia’s longest straight road
The Eyre Highway, which is paved and stretches 1,675km (1,041 mi) across Australia, is a critical link between Western Australia and South Australia, cutting across the expansive Nullarbor Plain.
A remarkable feature of this highway is its 146.6-kilometre (91.1 mi) segment, the country’s lengthiest straight road without a single bend.
This vast stretch often evokes feelings of solitude as the highway extends seemingly endlessly into the horizon.
The longest fence in the world (Dingo Fence)
Winding its way through the rugged Outback, the Dingo Fence stretches for thousands of kilometres, creating a barrier that seems to unite the vastness of this untamed land.
The Dingo Fence is not just any fence; it is the longest fence in the world.
It spans over 5,600 kilometres, from Jimbour in Queensland to Point Labatt in South Australia.
Its purpose? To safeguard livestock against wild dingoes and various threats.
The largest rock monolith (Mount Augustus)
Imagine standing in front of Mount Augustus, the largest rock monolith in the world, and feeling the overwhelming presence of this majestic natural wonder.
Australia is known for its vastness, and Mount Augustus perfectly embodies that spirit.
This massive rock formation rises from the arid landscape, reaching 2,800 feet.
It stretches for nearly four miles and covers an area larger than Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Its ancient red-brown cliffs seem to touch the sky, providing a stunning backdrop against the seemingly endless outback.
FAQs: Australia’s Size
Which country is the same size as Australia?
No country is the same size as Australia. However, in terms of land area, Australia is closest in size to the contiguous United States, though the U.S. is slightly larger.
How big is Australia compared to China?
Australia covers an area of approximately 7.6 million square kilometres, while China spans about 9.6 million square kilometres.
Thus, China is larger than Australia by nearly 2 million square kilometres.
Is Australia or Germany bigger?
Australia is significantly larger than Germany in terms of land area.
Conclusion: How Big is Australia?
In summary, Australia’s sheer size is truly astonishing.
As I reflect on all the records and world-firsts this magnificent continent holds, it becomes clear how big Australia is.
From having the largest coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, to being home to the longest fence in the world, the Dingo Fence, Australia has proven time and time again that it knows no boundaries when it comes to size.
But it’s not only physical size that sets Australia apart.
This vast land also boasts diverse landscapes, from its iconic red deserts to lush rainforests and stunning coastlines.
The sheer variety of environments within this country is mind-boggling and showcases how expansive Australia truly is.
With so much space to explore and discover, there are endless opportunities for adventure and self-discovery.
Whether exploring the Outback or diving into crystal-clear waters along its pristine shores, Australia offers a sense of liberation like no other place on Earth.
When it comes to size and grandeur, Australia reigns supreme.
Its vastness encompasses physical dimensions and an intangible freedom that draws people from all corners of the globe.
So, if you’re seeking a place to immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while feeling an unparalleled sense of liberty, look no further than this incredible continent down under – because Australia takes the crown when it comes to being big in every way possible.
