Assume you’re driving from Sydney to Perth, Australia, a distance of 3,900 km and a duration of approximately 40 hours. Consider a similar journey from New York City to Los Angeles in the United States, covering around 4,500 kilometers in 41 hours. Both are long, difficult travels over two massive countries, but is one truly larger than the other? What if we told you that, despite the vast distances, the comparison between Australia and the United States may not be as simple as you think?
In this article, we’ll look at how these two nations compare regarding land size, population, and other factors, using information that may surprise you.
Basic Comparisons
Land Area: Australia vs USA Size in Square Kilometers
One of the original ways to compare two countries is based on their land area. How much space do they occupy on the world map?
| Country | Land Area (Square Kilometers) | Rank Globally |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 9.83 million | 3rd |
| Australia | 7.69 million | 6th |
The United States is larger than Australia, but not by as much as you may expect. In reality, Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country! Despite their size differences, both countries have a wide range of terrain, including deserts, forests, and cities.
Population Density
While size is one factor, population density reveals a significant story. The United States has a significantly higher population density than Australia
| Country | Population (approx.) | Population Density (people/sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 337 million | 34 |
| Australia | 26 million | 3.4 |
Compared to the United States, Australia has a far larger land area and a lower population density. With most of the population concentrated in coastal cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, vast areas of Australia remain mostly unlivable. On the other hand, The United States has a more balanced distribution of inhabitants between urban and rural areas.
Coastline Comparison: Australia vs USA Size in Coastlines
One interesting feature where Australia appears to hold an advantage over the United States is the length of its coastline.
| Country | Coastline Length (Kilometers) |
| USA | 19,924 |
| Australia | 25,760 |
Australia has one of the world’s longest coastlines, surpassing the United States in this category. With most Australians living near the coast, it’s no surprise that the beach plays such an important role in Australian culture.
Cultural Diversity and Infrastructure
Travel Considerations
Traveling across these countries can be quite different due to their sizes and infrastructures:
- Traveling from Sydney to Perth in Australia is around 3900 km, comparable to the distance between New York and Los Angeles in the United States. Due to limited flying alternatives and lengthy journey times, proper travel planning is essential for this great distance.
Urban vs Rural Areas
- Most of Australia’s population resides in urban areas along the coast, while vast inland regions remain sparsely populated. In contrast, the USA has numerous large cities spread throughout its expanse.
Conclusion
To summarise, while the United States is larger than Australia in terms of land size, both countries have distinct landscapes and lifestyles. From Australia’s beautiful beaches and unique wildlife to America’s various cities and large national parks, each country has its attraction that draws people in. Understanding the differences not only expands our geographic knowledge but also increases our love for the diversity present in these two amazing countries. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply curious about geography, understanding how Australia and the United States compare in size can provide significant insights
