Geography of Australia

Australia
Location of Australia
Capital	Canberra
Area
• Total	7,692,024 km2 (2,969,907 sq mi)
Population
• 2021 estimate	25687041

Australia is a country and continent located in the Southern Hemisphere, comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area.

Physical Geography

Australia is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include:

Deserts

Australia is home to several major deserts, including the Great Victoria Desert, the Great Sandy Desert, and the Simpson Desert. These arid regions cover much of the interior of the continent, known as the Outback.

Mountain Ranges

The Great Dividing Range is the most significant mountain range in Australia, stretching over 3,500 kilometers from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria. The highest peak in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, is located in this range.

Coastal Areas

Australia has a vast coastline, with notable features such as the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, located off the coast of Queensland. The Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is another significant marine ecosystem.

Rivers and Lakes

Major rivers include the Murray River and the Darling River, which are part of the Murray-Darling Basin, a crucial agricultural region. Lake Eyre, the largest lake in Australia, is an endorheic lake that occasionally fills with water.

Climate

Australia's climate varies significantly across its vast area:

• The northern part of the country has a tropical climate, with a wet and dry season.
• The southern regions experience a temperate climate, with distinct seasons.
• The interior is predominantly arid or semi-arid.

Biodiversity

Australia is renowned for its unique biodiversity, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. This includes iconic animals such as the kangaroo, koala, and platypus. The country's diverse ecosystems range from rainforests to deserts.

Human Geography

Australia is divided into six states and two territories:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory

The majority of the population lives in urban areas along the eastern and southeastern coasts, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane being the largest cities.

Environmental Issues

Australia faces several environmental challenges, including:

• Climate change and its impact on ecosystems and weather patterns.
• Land degradation and desertification in the interior regions.
• Conservation of biodiversity and protection of endangered species.

See Also

• Geography of Oceania
• List of islands of Australia
• Protected areas of Australia