Is Australia Larger Than the USA?
When comparing the size of two countries, it’s natural to wonder which one is larger. In the case of Australia and the United States, many people are often surprised to learn that Australia is actually larger than the USA. This may seem counterintuitive, given that the USA is a well-known superpower with a population of over 330 million people. However, when it comes to land area, Australia takes the cake.
Australia, also known as the Land Down Under, spans a vast 7.69 million square kilometers (2.97 million square miles). This makes it the sixth-largest country in the world by land area. On the other hand, the United States covers an area of approximately 9.83 million square kilometers (3.79 million square miles), which ranks it as the third-largest country in the world. Despite its larger population, the USA has less land area than Australia.
The discrepancy in size can be attributed to the geographical layout of both countries. Australia is a single island, making it a relatively compact country. The USA, on the other hand, is a collection of multiple states, some of which are quite large in their own right. For instance, Alaska, the largest state in the USA, is larger than the entire country of France.
Another interesting fact is that Australia’s land area is comparable to the entire continent of Europe. This vast expanse of land includes diverse landscapes, from the arid deserts of the Outback to the lush rainforests of the north. The USA, while also diverse, is primarily known for its extensive plains, mountains, and coastal regions.
Despite its larger land area, Australia’s population density is much lower than that of the USA. Australia has a population of around 25 million people, which means there are only about 3 people per square kilometer. In contrast, the USA has a population density of about 35 people per square kilometer. This difference in population density can be attributed to Australia’s sparse population and its vast, often uninhabitable terrain.
In conclusion, Australia is indeed larger than the USA in terms of land area. While the USA may be more well-known for its global influence and population, Australia’s expansive landmass and diverse landscapes make it a unique and fascinating country. So, the next time someone asks if Australia is larger than the USA, you can confidently answer with a resounding “yes!
