Country Profile: Australia

Australia, the world's smallest continent and sixth-largest country, is located in Oceania between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. The nation boasts a diverse population of approximately 26.8 million, characterized by various ethnic groups and languages, with English being the predominant language. Its economy is advanced and integrated into global markets, driven by strong sectors in mining, manufacturing, and services. The governance structure is a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with Canberra as its capital.

Geography

Australia is marked by a generally arid to semiarid climate, with fertile plains primarily located in the southeast and deserts dominating the interior. It has no land borders and features a coastline of 25,760 km. The Great Dividing Range, the longest mountain range on the continent, divides the flow of rivers in the region. Australia is also known for its diverse ecosystems, hosting about 10% of the world's biodiversity.

7,741,220 sq km total area, slightly smaller than the 48 contiguous US states.
2,228 m highest point: Mount Kosciuszko.
-15 m lowest point: Lake Eyre.
58,920 sq km of water area.
12 nm territorial sea claims.

People and Society

Australia has a population of around 26.8 million, with a median age of 38.1 years and a growth rate of 1.13%. The population is primarily urban, with approximately 86.6% residing in cities. The society is diverse, with significant representation of various ethnic groups and languages. The country has a robust healthcare system and high life expectancy, which presently averages 83.5 years.

38.4% of the population identifies as having no religious affiliation (2021).
12.2 births/1,000 population birth rate (2024).
2.9 deaths/1,000 live births infant mortality rate (2024).
83.5 years life expectancy at birth (2024).
1.73 children born/woman total fertility rate (2024).

Economy

Australia's economy is characterized as high-income and globally integrated, with a GDP (PPP) of approximately $1.635 trillion in 2024. Strong commodity exports, particularly to East Asian trade partners, drive growth, although the economy faces challenges such as weak productivity and an aging population. The service sector dominates, contributing about 65.5% to the GDP, while agriculture represents only 2.2%.

4.1% unemployment rate (2024).
$60,100 GDP per capita (2024).
2.2% agriculture sector of GDP (2024).
51.2% of GDP derived from household consumption (2024).
2% Gini Index coefficient, indicative of income inequality (2018).

Government

Australia operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III as the chief of state, represented by the Governor-General. The Parliament is bicameral, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legal system is based on common law, and citizens have universal suffrage at the age of 18.

6 states and 2 territories form the administrative divisions.
150 members in the House of Representatives, with a term of 3 years.
76 senators in the Senate, serving 6-year terms.
2% of GDP military expenditures (2024).
$431.27 billion government revenue (2022).

Military and Security

The Australian Defense Force (ADF) consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with approximately 60,000 active personnel. Australia spends around 2% of its GDP on military expenditures, ensuring national defense and participation in international peacekeeping. The country has longstanding military alliances, particularly with the US and UK.

60,000 active military personnel (2025).
2% of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2024).
No conscription since 1972; voluntary service from age 17.
Participates in UN peacekeeping missions globally.
Established a cyber command in 2024.

Energy

Australia's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with significant contributions from coal, which is a major export commodity. The country has a renewable energy capacity that continues to grow, particularly in solar and wind energy. Electricity access is universal, and the country is a leader in coal exports.

267.818 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023).
100% electrification of the population (2022).
445.077 million metric tons coal production (2023).
151.307 billion cubic meters natural gas production (2023).
64.9% of installed electricity generation capacity from fossil fuels (2023).

Environment

Australia faces several environmental challenges, including habitat loss, soil erosion, and pollution. The country participates in numerous international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change mitigation. Efforts are ongoing to protect its unique ecosystems, such as the Great Barrier Reef.

17.3% of land classified as forest (2023).
52.9% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).
394.653 million metric tons CO2 emissions (2023).
47.2% of land used for agriculture (2023).
Home to 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Transportation

Australia has a well-developed transportation network, including extensive railway systems and numerous airports. The merchant marine fleet supports international trade, while a mix of public and private transport options are available for domestic travel.

2,257 airports (2025).
32,606 km of railways (2022).
604 ships in the merchant marine (2023).
66 ports across the country (2024).
29.1 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).

Communications

The communications sector in Australia is advanced, with high internet penetration and significant mobile phone usage. The media landscape includes a mix of public and private broadcasters.

97% of the population are internet users (2023).
6.458 million fixed line phone subscriptions (2023).
9.63 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
24 fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
107 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	26,768,598	2024 estimate
Area	7,741,220 sq km	Total area including water
GDP (PPP)	$1.635 trillion	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	4.1%	2024 estimate
Energy consumption per capita	223.158 million Btu	2023 estimate
Birth rate	12.2 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	83.5 years	2024 estimate
Military expenditures	2% of GDP	2024 estimate
Total fertility rate	1.73 children/woman	2024 estimate
Urban population	86.6%	2023 estimate