Australia vs. the USA: How big is Australia, really?
People often wonder how Australia stacks up against the United States in terms of size. Both countries are massive and geographically diverse, making a comparison pretty interesting.
The short answer is that Australia is smaller than the United States in total land area. Australia covers roughly 7.7 million square kilometers, while the United States spans about 9.8 million square kilometers. But both are undeniably vast!
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two countries when it comes to land area, population, climate, travel considerations, and even some economic and environmental factors.
Geographical Size and Landscape
When you’re trying to get a handle on the size of a place, it helps to think about its landscape, its distinguishing features, and how people are spread out across the land.
Australia’s Vast Landscape
Australia is known for its massive size and unique landscape. The Outback, a huge, sparsely populated desert region, dominates much of the country. Iconic landmarks like Uluru (Ayers Rock) dot this landscape, serving as powerful symbols of the Australian interior.
Interestingly, most of Australia’s population lives along the coast, which can skew the perception of how big the country really is. When you consider that so much of the interior is sparsely inhabited, the sheer scale of Australia becomes even more apparent.
The Diverse Terrain of the USA
In contrast, the United States boasts incredibly diverse geographical features. From the towering Rocky Mountains to the expansive Great Plains and the varied coastlines, the USA has it all. Natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and the beaches of California showcase this diversity.
Unlike Australia, the population in the USA is more evenly distributed across the country. While there are certainly densely populated areas, you’ll also find significant populations in many inland states. This more even distribution of people contributes to a different sense of scale when comparing the two countries.
Population and Density: A Tale of Two Countries
When you’re picturing Australia and the United States, it’s helpful to keep in mind that there are stark differences in how many people live in each country, and how densely populated they are.
Australia’s Population Centers
Australia has a population of around 26 million people, which is relatively small compared to its landmass. The population density is quite low overall. Most people live in major coastal cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
This concentration of population affects how the country manages its infrastructure and resources. It also means that large parts of the country are sparsely populated or uninhabited.
Population Dynamics in the USA
The United States, on the other hand, has a population of over 330 million people. It’s a much more densely populated country than Australia. While there are some sparsely populated areas, the overall population density is significantly higher.
The U.S. has a diverse range of population centers scattered across the country, including big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, along with smaller urban and rural areas.
Climate Differences: Australia vs. the U.S.
Both Australia and the U.S. are big countries, so it’s no surprise that they have a variety of climates. In Australia, you’ll find everything from tropical rainforests in the north to deserts in the center, temperate areas in the south, and even alpine regions in the mountains.
The U.S. also has a wide range of climates. Think arctic conditions in Alaska, temperate weather in many of the coastal states, subtropical areas in the Southeast, and deserts in the Southwest.
These climate differences really affect how people live and work. They impact what crops can be grown, where tourists want to visit, and even the daily lifestyle choices people make.
Travel Implications: Road Trips and Attractions
When you’re thinking about the sheer size of both Australia and the United States, it’s important to factor in travel times and distances. That’s especially true if you’re planning to drive across either country.
Road Trips and Distances
Australia is known for its incredibly long distances. If you’re planning an Aussie road trip, you may be thinking of tackling the Nullarbor Plain, a flat, treeless desert that stretches for hundreds of miles. It’s a drive that requires careful planning and preparation.
In the U.S., road trip options abound. You might consider the iconic Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, or the Pacific Coast Highway, which hugs the California coastline. Road tripping in the U.S. offers a huge variety of landscapes and attractions along the way.
Diversity of Attractions
Both countries are home to iconic attractions.
In Australia, you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, marvel at the Sydney Opera House, and visit Uluru (Ayers Rock), a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Outback.
In the U.S., you can stand in awe at the Grand Canyon, visit the Statue of Liberty, and explore the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone National Park.
Economic and Environmental Perspectives
Australia and the United States are both prosperous countries, but their economies are different.
Economies in the Limelight
Australia’s economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources, particularly its exports of coal, iron ore, and natural gas. The United States, on the other hand, is a global economic powerhouse with a highly diversified economy that includes technology, manufacturing, and services.
Environmental Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Both countries face a number of environmental challenges. Australia is dealing with water scarcity, devastating bushfires, and the need to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The United States is grappling with the effects of climate change, pollution, and the ongoing need to conserve its national parks.
Sustainable practices are important in both countries as they work to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Trivia Time: Rivers and Universities
Want to compare Australia and the US in some other ways? Here’s a little trivia:
Rivers: Australia has 439 named rivers, the longest of which is the Murray River (2,375 km). The US, on the other hand, has over 250,000 rivers, and the longest is the Missouri River (3,768 km).
Universities: Australia has 43 universities, while the US has over 5,300.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Australia compared to in size?
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area, covering approximately 7.69 million square kilometers (2.97 million square miles). To put that in perspective, it’s about the same size as the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). It’s significantly larger than most European countries and roughly 32 times the size of the United Kingdom. Australia is often referred to as an “island continent” due to its size and isolation.
Which US state is closest in size to Australia?
No single US state comes close to matching Australia’s massive size. However, if you combine several states, you get a better idea. The closest comparison would be the contiguous United States (all states except Alaska and Hawaii). This landmass is only slightly bigger than the continent of Australia. Alaska, the largest US state, is less than a quarter of Australia’s size, highlighting the sheer scale of the Australian continent.
The Bottom Line
Australia is a bit smaller than the contiguous United States, but both countries are enormous, with diverse climates and ecosystems. While the U.S. has a much larger population, both countries boast vibrant, multicultural societies and unique cultural experiences.
Whether you want to hike through national parks, explore bustling cities, or relax on sandy beaches, both countries offer something for everyone.
Understanding the size, population, and climate differences between Australia and the U.S. is important for travelers, policymakers, and anyone interested in global affairs and how these two nations fit into the world.