Overview
This lecture explains why Australia, despite its large size, has a small population, covering its geography, climate, history, and immigration patterns.
Australia’s Size and Population
- Australia is about 7.68 million square kilometers, one of the world’s largest countries.
- The population is only around 26 million, making it sparsely populated.
- Most people live near the coast, especially in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
- About 85% of Australians live within 50 kilometers of the coast.
Geographic and Climate Challenges
- About 35% of Australia is desert or desert-like, making it the driest inhabited continent.
- Cold ocean currents and the Great Dividing Range reduce rainfall in many areas.
- Australia’s land is flat and low, which limits cloud and rain formation.
- The weather system called El Niño can cause long periods of drought.
Water in Australia
- Rainfall is unreliable; droughts can last years due to El Niño.
- The north has wet and dry seasons, with major rainfall differences each year.
- Australia has few large rivers; the Murray-Darling Basin is vital for water and farming.
- Climate change leads to increased evaporation and water shortages.
Land and Food Production
- Much of the soil is old and not fertile for farming, especially in the north.
- Only about 6% of land is suitable for farming, but this is a large area due to Australia’s size.
- Australia has more farming land per person than any other country.
- The country is a major food producer and exporter, especially of sheep and wool.
Historical Isolation and Immigration
- Australia was isolated for millions of years; unique animals like kangaroos evolved there.
- The first people arrived about 50,000 years ago, with few later arrivals due to its remoteness.
- European settlement began in 1788, introducing new animals and diseases that devastated indigenous populations.
- The population grew slowly due to distance, immigration policies favoring Europeans, and wars.
Modern Australia
- After WWII, Australia encouraged European immigration and, from 1973, people from all countries.
- Australia is now multicultural; around one-third of residents were born overseas.
- Environmental challenges, especially water shortages and climate change, continue.
- Australia remains a major exporter of food and wool despite these challenges.
Key Terms & Definitions
- El Niño — a climate event causing reduced rainfall and drought periods in Australia.
- Great Dividing Range — a major mountain chain in eastern Australia that blocks rain clouds.
- Rain shadow — a dry area on one side of a mountain range due to blocked rainfall.
- White Australia Policy — historical immigration policy limiting non-European immigration.
- Murray-Darling Basin — Australia’s largest and most important river system for agriculture.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the next chapter for a deeper look at Australia’s unique environment and history.
- Consider how geography and history influence a country’s population distribution for future discussion.