Australia’s geography is as diverse as it is expansive, encompassing the mainland continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous offshore territories, such as Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, and the Australian Antarctic Territory. Located between latitudes 9° and 44° south and longitudes 112° and 154° east, Australia is an isolated island continent surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Its proximity to Asia is separated by the Arafura and Timor Seas, with the Coral Sea off the Queensland coast and the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

Covering a vast 7.7 million square kilometers, Australia is the world’s smallest continent but ranks as the sixth-largest country by total area. Its coastline stretches over 35,877 kilometers, and it claims an exclusive economic zone of 8.1 million square kilometers, excluding the Australian Antarctic Territory. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders, extends more than 2,300 kilometers along the north-east coast.

The interior of Australia is predominantly arid or semi-arid, with the Great Dividing Range running along the eastern coast, dividing the central lowlands from the eastern highlands. Australia’s flat terrain contributes to its low average elevation of 325 meters, with Mount Kosciuszko standing as the highest point on the mainland at 2,228 meters. However, the country boasts taller peaks in its offshore territories, such as Mawson Peak in Heard Island and Mount McClintock in Antarctica.

Australia’s river systems, including the Murray-Darling, are essential for the country’s drainage, but their low discharge into the sea and slow-moving flow contribute to salt buildup in the soil, which affects agricultural productivity. The arid nature of much of the country means that around 95% of the population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast. Despite the vastness of the land, Australia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with just 3.5 people per square kilometer on average. The population is largely concentrated in the temperate coastal cities, particularly along the southeastern coastline, where urban density is higher.

Australia’s land and environmental features are diverse and fragile, with challenges such as salinization, soil quality, and a unique climate that continues to shape both the nation’s landscape and its people.