Situated in the Southern Hemisphere between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Australia is both the world’s smallest continent and one of its largest nations. Canberra, the capital of Australia, is situated between the bigger and more significant cities of Sydney and Melbourne, which are major hubs for trade and culture.

Australia’s Country DetailsCapital: Canberra; Population: 27,307,000 (estimated for 2024)

View all statistics and facts
The Australian continent stretches over 2,500 miles (4,000 km) from west to east and nearly 2,000 miles (3,200 km) from Cape York Peninsula in the northeast to Wilsons Promontory in the southeast. Australian jurisdiction reaches the southernmost point of the island of Tasmania 310 miles (500 km) to the south, and the southern coasts of Papua New Guinea to the north.