How Big Is Australia Compared to the United States?
When comparing the size of countries, Australia and the United States often come up as examples of vast landmasses. Both countries boast impressive geographical features and diverse landscapes, but just how big is Australia compared to the United States? In this article, we will delve into the size of these two nations and explore some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of their respective sizes.
1. Geographical Size:
Australia, often referred to as the “land down under,” is the world’s sixth-largest country with an area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers (2.9 million square miles). In comparison, the United States, the fourth-largest country globally, covers about 9.8 million square kilometers (3.8 million square miles). Thus, the United States is about 2.1 million square kilometers (0.8 million square miles) larger than Australia.
2. Population:
Despite its massive land area, Australia has a relatively small population. As of 2021, it is estimated to be around 25.8 million people. In contrast, the United States has a population of approximately 331 million people, making it nearly thirteen times more populous than Australia.
3. States and Territories:
Australia consists of six states and two major mainland territories, namely New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and the Northern Territory. On the other hand, the United States is comprised of fifty states, one federal district (Washington, D.C.), and five major territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
4. Coastline Comparison:
Australia is renowned for its stunning coastline, stretching over 25,760 kilometers (16,007 miles). However, the United States boasts an even more extensive coastline of approximately 19,924 kilometers (12,383 miles). This is due to the United States being bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast, the Pacific Ocean on the west coast, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south.
5. Time Zones:
Due to its vastness, both Australia and the United States span multiple time zones. Australia is divided into three primary time zones: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST). The United States, on the other hand, spans six time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), Pacific Standard Time (PST), Alaska Standard Time (AKST), and Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST).
6. Landmarks and Natural Wonders:
Both Australia and the United States are home to numerous iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Australia boasts the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Sydney Opera House, and the Twelve Apostles. The United States is famous for landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
7. Climate and Biodiversity:
Given their vast size, Australia and the United States exhibit diverse climates and ecosystems. Australia experiences a range of climates, including tropical, desert, Mediterranean, and temperate. The United States, too, showcases various climatic zones, from arctic conditions in Alaska to hot desert regions in the southwest. Both countries are home to unique flora and fauna, with Australia boasting a renowned array of indigenous species.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Is Australia bigger than the United States?
A1. No, the United States is larger than Australia, covering approximately 2.1 million square kilometers (0.8 million square miles) more land area.
Q2. Which country has a larger population, Australia or the United States?
A2. The United States has a significantly larger population than Australia, with approximately thirteen times more people.
Q3. How many states and territories does Australia have?
A3. Australia consists of six states and two mainland territories, namely New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory.
Q4. How many states and territories does the United States have?
A4. The United States is composed of fifty states, one federal district (Washington, D.C.), and five major territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Q5. Which country has a longer coastline, Australia or the United States?
A5. The United States has a longer coastline, spanning approximately 12,383 miles, compared to Australia’s 16,007 miles.
Q6. How many time zones does Australia have?
A6. Australia spans three primary time zones: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST).
Q7. How many time zones does the United States have?
A7. The United States spans six time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), Pacific Standard Time (PST), Alaska Standard Time (AKST), and Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST).
In conclusion, while Australia and the United States are both enormous countries, the United States surpasses Australia in size by approximately 2.1 million square kilometers (0.8 million square miles). However, Australia’s diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and iconic landmarks make it a country of its own kind.