What is the Size Difference between Australia and the US

When it comes to landmass, Australia and the United States are two vast countries that can truly boggle the mind with their sheer size. Both countries are known for their vast and diverse landscapes, but just how big are they? In this article, we will explore the size difference between Australia and the US.

To begin with, let’s look at the land area of both countries. Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country by total area, covering approximately 7.6 million square kilometers. This makes it significantly larger than the contiguous United States, which spans around 9.8 million square kilometers. However, when including Alaska, the US extends to roughly 9.83 million square kilometers, making it slightly bigger than Australia.

Despite this slight size difference, it is important to note that the US has a much larger population than Australia. The US is the third most populous country in the world, with over 330 million inhabitants, while Australia has a population of around 25 million people. This population disparity is due to various factors, including historical settlement patterns and geographic accessibility.

Moving on to the physical geography, both countries have diverse landscapes. Australia is renowned for its deserts, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. It is the flattest continent on Earth, with its highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, reaching a modest 2,228 meters above sea level. On the other hand, the US is home to the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Grand Canyon, and numerous other natural wonders. It has a more varied topography, with its highest mountain, Mount Denali in Alaska, soaring to an impressive 6,190 meters.

In terms of coastlines, both countries boast extensive shorelines. Australia, being an island continent, has a coastline of about 25,760 kilometers, with numerous beautiful beaches and coastal towns. The US, despite being a contiguous country, has a coastline of approximately 30,000 kilometers, thanks to its inclusion of Alaska and various overseas territories.

Transportation and connectivity vary greatly between the two countries due to their size and population distribution. Australia’s vastness has necessitated a strong reliance on air travel for domestic travel, with long distances often covered by plane. In the US, a well-developed network of roads, railways, and airports connects major cities and towns, allowing for efficient domestic travel across the country.

The size difference between Australia and the US also affects climate and time zones. Australia experiences a range of climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. Its vastness means it spans several time zones, from UTC+8 in Western Australia to UTC+10 in Eastern Australia. The US, being larger and spanning more latitudes, has even more time zones—from UTC-10 in Hawaii to UTC-5 in the eastern part of the country.

In conclusion, Australia and the United States are both vast countries, each with its own unique landscapes, cultures, and climates. Although Australia is slightly smaller in terms of landmass when comparing the contiguous US alone, when including Alaska, the US surpasses Australia in size. Despite their size differences, both countries offer incredible natural wonders and a wide range of experiences for locals and tourists alike. Whether exploring the deserts of the Outback or hiking through the Rocky Mountains, these two nations demonstrate the vastness and diversity of our planet.