Australia is a vast country, often described as a continent-sized island. But just how big is it compared to a smaller, more familiar landmass like England? This article will explore the significant size difference between Australia and England using maps and comparative data.
Visualizing the Difference: Maps and Scale
One of the best ways to grasp the sheer scale of Australia compared to England is through visual representation.
This map overlays Australia on top of Europe. Notice how Australia stretches across a significant portion of the European continent. The distance from Broome to Sydney in Australia is comparable to the distance from England to Turkey. Even more striking, a journey from Perth to Sydney spans a distance similar to traveling from Spain to Syria. This illustrates that Australia dwarfs England in size.
This map demonstrates how many countries, including England, could fit inside Australia’s borders. The visual comparison vividly highlights the immense difference in land area. England appears minuscule when placed within the Australian landmass.
Quantifying the Size Difference: Area Comparison
While visual comparisons are impactful, concrete numbers provide a clearer understanding of the size disparity.
- Australia: Approximately 7.7 million square kilometers (almost 3 million square miles).
- England: Approximately 130,395 square kilometers (around 50,346 square miles).
Australia is roughly 59 times larger than England. To put this in perspective, you could fit nearly sixty Englands within Australia’s borders. This vast difference in size impacts everything from population density and climate diversity to the variety of landscapes and ecosystems found within each country.
Beyond Landmass: Considering Other Factors
The size difference also impacts travel time and distances. For example:
This image compares the distance between Perth and Sydney in Australia to the distance between London and Moscow. While London to Moscow is a considerable distance, the journey from Perth to Sydney is even longer, highlighting the vastness of the Australian continent. The driving time from Perth to Sydney is significantly longer than the drive from London to Moscow, emphasizing the scale of travel within Australia.
Conclusion: A Continent-Sized Difference
The comparison between Australia and England reveals a dramatic difference in size. Australia’s landmass dwarfs that of England, impacting various aspects of geography, travel, and environment. The sheer scale of Australia allows for incredible biodiversity, vast landscapes, and a unique continental experience unlike anything found in England.