How Big is Australia Compared to the USA?
Australia and the United States are both vast countries, but when it comes to land area, they differ significantly. Australia, known as the “Land Down Under,” is the sixth-largest country globally, while the United States is the fourth-largest. Let’s explore the size comparison between these two nations and answer some commonly asked questions about their dimensions.
1. What is the land area of Australia?
Australia covers a land area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers or 2.97 million square miles.
2. What is the land area of the United States?
The United States has a land area of about 9.8 million square kilometers or 3.79 million square miles.
3. How does the size of Australia compare to the contiguous United States?
Australia is slightly smaller than the contiguous United States. However, if we consider the entire US, including Alaska and Hawaii, the United States is larger than Australia.
4. How many times can Australia fit into the United States?
Australia can fit into the United States approximately 1.28 times.
5. How many states of Australia can fit into Texas?
Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, is larger than any single state in Australia. You could fit about 1.8 states the size of Victoria or 2.5 states the size of Tasmania within Texas.
6. Is Australia larger than the mainland United States?
No, the mainland United States is larger than Australia. The contiguous United States alone is approximately 2.6 times larger than Australia.
7. Are Australia and the United States similar in terms of coastline length?
No, the coastlines of these two countries greatly differ. Australia has a coastline length of about 25,760 kilometers (16,007 miles), while the United States has a coastline length of approximately 19,924 kilometers (12,383 miles).
8. How long does it take to drive across Australia compared to the United States?
The vastness of Australia makes it a lengthy journey to drive across the country. Driving from Sydney to Perth, two major Australian cities, takes roughly 40 hours, covering a distance of about 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). In comparison, driving from New York City to Los Angeles, two major US cities, takes around 41 hours, covering a distance of approximately 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles).
9. How is the population density of Australia compared to the United States?
Australia has a significantly lower population density than the United States. Australia’s population density is approximately 3.3 people per square kilometer (8.5 per square mile), while the United States has a population density of approximately 36.7 people per square kilometer (95 per square mile).
10. Are there more deserts in Australia or the United States?
Australia is known for its vast deserts, such as the Great Victoria Desert and the Gibson Desert. However, the United States also has notable deserts, including the Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Desert. Both countries have significant desert regions.
11. How many time zones does Australia have compared to the United States?
Australia has three main time zones: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST). The United States, including its territories, spans six time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian.
12. Are there any similarities between the landscapes of Australia and the United States?
While both countries possess diverse landscapes, they are distinct in many ways. Australia is renowned for its vast deserts, stunning coastlines, and unique wildlife. On the other hand, the United States boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, plains, forests, and coastal areas. Both countries offer breathtaking scenery, but their geographical features are quite different.
In conclusion, although Australia and the United States are both sizable nations, the United States is larger overall. Australia, while smaller in land area, possesses unique characteristics and landscapes that make it a fascinating country to explore. Understanding the size comparison between these two countries helps put their vastness into perspective.