Mainland Australia is so small that its area is even smaller than some countries in the world. Its territory is only 7.63 million square kilometers. The most small mainland in the southern hemisphere and is crossed by the southern tropic. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Because of its small size, Australia is sometimes called the mainland-island.
The continent is not connected by land with any of the other continents, it is located completely apart. The rest of the world's continents are at a considerable distance from Australia. This contributed to the formation of a peculiar flora and fauna, in many respects different from other parts of the world. 
Uniqueness of Australia
In addition to being the smallest continent, it has several features that make it truly unique. extremely unusual animal world continent. Only marsupials live here - from small marsupial mice and moles to large kangaroos. Australian wolves and bears also have bags in which they carry their cubs. There are also such representatives of the fauna that you will not see on other continents - almost 80% of the animals are endemic. The most famous of them are the echidna and the platypus. An amazing mammal, the platypus hatches its cubs from the egg, as birds do. Only here you can see the dingo, emu, koala and kangaroo - the most popular animals in Australia. 
is unique and vegetable world: 90% of the continent's plants are endemic, found only here. The eucalyptus is considered a symbol of the Australian flora - the most tall tree planet, reaching the height of a fifty-story building.
The smallest continent is also the driest on the planet. Most of it is located in the tropical climate zone, as a result of which almost the entire central part of the continent is occupied by huge deserts. Australia is also called the lowest continent. 215 meters - the average absolute height, and the highest point has a height of only 2230 meters.
Past and present name
"Unknown Land" - that's what they called Australia on old maps. Even today it remains for most people a mysterious land and a country full of surprises. The name of the continents is most often associated with their geographic location, the same applies to Australia: in Latin "australis" means "southern". And this name appeared relatively recently, only in early XIX century. And before that, its individual parts were called by the names that the discoverers gave them. The modern name was finally fixed after sailing around the continent by the Englishman Flinders.
The smallest continent of our planet is also famous for the fact that its territory is completely occupied by one country - the Commonwealth of Australia. by the most big city country is Sydney, known throughout the world for its opera house, the real eighth wonder of the world. Another unusual masterpiece is the Harbor Bridge - a bridge across the beautiful Port Jackson Bay, which has an arch half a kilometer long.
Mainland, continent or part of the world? What is the difference?
In geography, another term is often used, denoting the mainland - the continent. But the concepts of "mainland" and "continent" are not synonymous. IN different countries accepted various points view of the number of continents, called continental models.
There are several such models:
- In China, India, as well as in the English-speaking countries of Europe, it is customary to consider that continents 7 - Europe and Asia, they consider separately;
- In Hispanics European countries, as well as in countries South America imply division into 6 parts of the world - with a united America;
- in Greece and some countries of Eastern Europe a model with 5 continents was adopted - only those where people live, i.e. except for Antarctica;
- in Russia and neighboring countries of Eurasia, traditionally denote 4 - united in large groups, continent.
(The figure clearly shows different views continental models on Earth, from 7 to 4)
Continents
There are 6 continents in total on Earth. We list them in descending order by area size:
- - the largest continent on our planet (54.6 million sq. km)
- (30.3 million sq. km)
- (24.4 million sq. km)
- (17.8 million sq. km)
- (14.1 million sq. km)
- (7.7 million sq. km)
All of them are separated by the waters of the seas and oceans. Four continents have a land border: Eurasia and Africa are separated by the Isthmus of Suez, North and South America - the Isthmus of Panama.
Continents
The difference is that the continents do not have a land border. Therefore, in this case, we can talk about 4 continents ( one of the continental models of the world), also in descending order by size:
- AfroEurasia
- America
Parts of the world
The terms "mainland" and "continent" have scientific significance, but the term "part of the world" divides the land on a historical and cultural basis. There are 6 parts of the world, only unlike the continents, Eurasia differs by Europe And Asia, but North and South America are defined together as one part of the world America:
- Europe
- Asia
- America(both North and South), or New World
- Australia and Oceania
Speaking of parts of the world, they mean the islands adjacent to them.
The difference between the mainland and the island
The definition of the mainland and the island is the same - a part of the land washed by the waters of the ocean or seas. But there are significant differences.
1. Size. Even the smallest continent, Australia, is much larger in area than the world's largest island, Greenland.
(Formation of the Earth's continents, a single continent of Pangea)
2. Education. All continents have a tiled origin. According to scientists, there was once a single continent - Pangea. Then, as a result of the split, 2 continents appeared - Gondwana and Laurasia, which later split into 6 more parts. The theory is confirmed both by geological surveys and by the shape of the continents. Many of them can be put together like a puzzle.
Islands are formed different ways. There are those that, like the continents, are located on the ruins of ancient lithospheric plates. Others are formed from volcanic lava. Still others - as a result of the activity of polyps (coral islands).
3. Habitability. All continents are inhabited, even Antarctica, which is harsh in terms of climatic conditions. Many islands are still uninhabited.
Characteristics of the continents
- the largest continent, occupying 1/3 of the land. Two parts of the world are located here at once: Europe and Asia. The border between them runs along the line Ural mountains, Black and Sea of Azov, as well as the straits connecting the Black and Mediterranean Seas.
This is the only continent that is washed by all the oceans. The coastline is indented, it forms a large number of bays, peninsulas, islands. The mainland itself is located immediately on six tectonic platforms, and therefore the relief of Eurasia is incredibly diverse.
Here are the most extensive plains, the most high mountains(Himalayas from Mount Everest), the deepest lake (Baikal). This is the only continent where all climatic zones are represented at once (and, accordingly, all natural zones) - from the Arctic with its permafrost to the equatorial with its sultry deserts and jungles.
¾ of the world's population lives on the mainland, 108 states are located here, of which 94 have the status of independent.
- the hottest continent on Earth. It is located on an ancient platform, so most of the area is occupied by plains, mountains are formed along the edges of the mainland. Africa is home to the longest river in the world, the Nile, and the largest desert, the Sahara. Climate types presented on the mainland: equatorial, subequatorial, tropical and subtropical.
Africa is usually divided into five regions: North, South, West, East and Central. There are 62 countries on the mainland.
Washed by the waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The result of the movement tectonic plates became a heavily indented coastline of the mainland, with huge amount bays, straits, coves and islands. Most large island- in the north (Greenland).
The Cordillera Mountains stretch along the western coast, and the Appalachians along the eastern coast. The central part is occupied by a vast plain.
All climatic zones are represented here, except for the equatorial one, which determines the diversity natural areas. Most rivers and lakes are located in the northern part. largest river- Mississippi.
Indigenous people- Indians and Eskimos. Currently, 23 states are located here, of which only three (Canada, the United States and Mexico) are on the mainland itself, the rest are on the islands.
It is washed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Along the west coast is the world's longest mountain system- Andes, or South American Cordilleras. The rest of the mainland is occupied by plateaus, plains and lowlands.
This is the rainiest continent, since most of it is located in the equator zone. Here is the largest and most abundant river in the world - the Amazon.
The indigenous people are the Indians. Currently, there are 12 independent states on the territory of the mainland.
- the only continent on the territory of which there is only 1 state - the Commonwealth of Australia. Most The mainland is occupied by plains, mountains are located only along the coast.
Australia is a unique continent with the largest number of endemic animals and plants. The indigenous people are Australian Aborigines, or Bushmen.
- the southernmost continent, completely covered with ice. The average thickness of the ice cover is 1600 m, the largest is 4000 m. If the ice in Antarctica melted, the level of the world's oceans would immediately rise by 60 meters!
Most of the mainland is occupied by an icy desert, life is glimmering only on the coasts. Antarctica is also the most cold mainland. In winter, temperatures can drop below -80 ºC (record -89.2 ºC), in summer - up to -20 ºC.
A continent is a large landmass surrounded by seas and oceans. In tectonics, continents are characterized as sections of the lithosphere with a continental structure.
Mainland, continent or part of the world? What is the difference?
In geography, another term is often used, denoting the mainland - the continent. But the concepts of "mainland" and "continent" are not synonymous. Different countries have adopted different points of view on the number of continents, called continental models.
There are several such models:
- In China, India, as well as in the English-speaking countries of Europe, it is customary to consider that continents 7 - Europe and Asia, they consider separately;
- In Spanish-speaking European countries, as well as in the countries of South America, they mean the division into 6 parts of the world - with a united America;
- in Greece and some countries of Eastern Europe, a model with 5 continents is adopted - only those where people live, i.e. except for Antarctica;
- in Russia and the countries of Eurasia adjacent to it, they traditionally designate 4 - continents united into large groups.
(The figure clearly shows different representations of continental models on Earth, from 7 to 4)
Continents
There are 6 continents in total on Earth. We list them in descending order by area size:
- - the largest continent on our planet (54.6 million sq. km)
- (30.3 million sq. km)
- (24.4 million sq. km)
- (17.8 million sq. km)
- (14.1 million sq. km)
- (7.7 million sq. km)
All of them are separated by the waters of the seas and oceans. Four continents have a land border: Eurasia and Africa are separated by the Isthmus of Suez, North and South America - the Isthmus of Panama.
Continents
The difference is that the continents do not have a land border. Therefore, in this case, we can talk about 4 continents ( one of the continental models of the world), also in descending order by size:
- AfroEurasia
- America
Parts of the world
The terms "mainland" and "continent" have a scientific meaning, but the term "part of the world" divides the land on a historical and cultural basis. There are 6 parts of the world, only unlike the continents, Eurasia differs by Europe And Asia, but North and South America are defined together as one part of the world America:
- Europe
- Asia
- America(both North and South), or New World
- Australia and Oceania
Speaking of parts of the world, they mean the islands adjacent to them.
The difference between the mainland and the island
The definition of the mainland and the island is the same - a part of the land washed by the waters of the ocean or seas. But there are significant differences.
1. Size. Even the smallest continent, Australia, is much larger in area than the world's largest island, Greenland.
(Formation of the Earth's continents, a single continent of Pangea)
2. Education. All continents have a tiled origin. According to scientists, there was once a single continent - Pangea. Then, as a result of the split, 2 continents appeared - Gondwana and Laurasia, which later split into 6 more parts. The theory is confirmed both by geological surveys and by the shape of the continents. Many of them can be put together like a puzzle.
Islands are formed in many ways. There are those that, like the continents, are located on the fragments of the most ancient lithospheric plates. Others are formed from volcanic lava. Still others - as a result of the activity of polyps (coral islands).
3. Habitability. All continents are inhabited, even Antarctica, which is harsh in terms of climatic conditions. Many islands are still uninhabited.
Characteristics of the continents
- the largest continent, occupying 1/3 of the land. Two parts of the world are located here at once: Europe and Asia. The border between them runs along the line of the Ural Mountains, the Black and Azov Seas, as well as the straits connecting the Black and Mediterranean Seas.
This is the only continent that is washed by all the oceans. The coastline is indented, it forms a large number of bays, peninsulas, islands. The mainland itself is located immediately on six tectonic platforms, and therefore the relief of Eurasia is incredibly diverse.
Here are the most extensive plains, the highest mountains (the Himalayas with Mount Everest), the deepest lake (Baikal). This is the only continent where all climatic zones (and, accordingly, all natural zones) are represented at once - from the arctic with its permafrost to the equatorial with its sultry deserts and jungles.
¾ of the world's population lives on the mainland, 108 states are located here, of which 94 have the status of independent.
- the hottest continent on Earth. It is located on an ancient platform, so most of the area is occupied by plains, mountains are formed along the edges of the mainland. Africa is home to the longest river in the world, the Nile, and the largest desert, the Sahara. Climate types presented on the mainland: equatorial, subequatorial, tropical and subtropical.
Africa is usually divided into five regions: North, South, West, East and Central. There are 62 countries on the mainland.
It is washed by the waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. The result of the movement of tectonic plates was a heavily indented coastline of the mainland, with a huge number of bays, straits, bays and islands. The largest island is in the north (Greenland).
The Cordillera Mountains stretch along the western coast, and the Appalachians along the eastern coast. The central part is occupied by a vast plain.
All climatic zones are represented here, except for the equatorial one, which determines the diversity of natural zones. Most rivers and lakes are located in the northern part. The largest river is the Mississippi.
The indigenous people are Indians and Eskimos. Currently, 23 states are located here, of which only three (Canada, the United States and Mexico) are on the mainland itself, the rest are on the islands.
It is washed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Along the west coast stretches the world's longest mountain system - the Andes, or South American Cordillera. The rest of the mainland is occupied by plateaus, plains and lowlands.
This is the rainiest continent, since most of it is located in the equator zone. Here is the largest and most abundant river in the world - the Amazon.
The indigenous people are the Indians. Currently, there are 12 independent states on the territory of the mainland.
- the only continent on the territory of which there is only 1 state - the Commonwealth of Australia. Most of the mainland is occupied by plains, mountains are located only along the coast.
Australia is a unique continent with the largest number of endemic animals and plants. The indigenous people are Australian Aborigines, or Bushmen.
- the southernmost continent, completely covered with ice. The average thickness of the ice cover is 1600 m, the largest is 4000 m. If the ice in Antarctica melted, the level of the world's oceans would immediately rise by 60 meters!
Most of the mainland is occupied by an icy desert, life is glimmering only on the coasts. Antarctica is also the coldest continent. In winter, temperatures can drop below -80 ºC (record -89.2 ºC), in summer - up to -20 ºC.
The continents also include the shallow coastal zones of the seas (shelves) and the islands located near them. Once upon a time, all parts of the world formed one continent - Pangea.
And today there are six that are separated by oceans: Eurasia has the most large area from the planet, its area is 55 million km. sq., South America - 18 million km. sq., Africa - 30 million km. sq., Antarctica - 14 million km. sq., North America - 20 million km. sq., Australia is the smallest continent, its area is 8.5 million km2. sq.
Australia is the smallest continent on the planet
The area of Australia, including the islands, is about 8.9 million km2. sq. Australia is bordered by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Almost in the middle of Australia is the southern tropic. At the base of the relief of this continent is the Australian platform. Her West Side raised. The Western Australian Plateau is located here, its height is 400-600 m, crystalline rocks come out on its surface.
In the east of the mainland from the northern peninsula of Cape York to southern Tasmania is a folded region - the Great Dividing Range.
In the old days, Australia was called "Terra incognito", today this land for us remains full of surprises and mysteries. Australia surprises with its diversity. There are endless ocean beaches, beautiful roads. This is the land of coral reefs and wild mustangs. Australia has no rivals in the number of unique animals and plants. The whole country, in fact, is a world-class reserve, while 80% of the animals are endemic, since they are found only here.
This continent, which turned out to be the smallest in the whole world, was first discovered by the Dutch. Significant amount information provided by the expedition led by Abel Tasman. He explored the northwestern and northern coasts of Australia in 1642-1643, at the same time he discovered the island of Tasmania. And James Cook became the discoverer of the east coast in the 18th century. From the end of the 18th century, the development of Australia began.
Country Australia
Australia is the sixth largest country in terms of area. This is the only state that occupies an entire continent.
The capital of Australia is Canberra. Its area is 7682 thousand km. sq. Its share of the planet's land area is 5%. The population is about 19.73 million people. Of the entire world population, this proportion is 0.3%. The highest point is Mount Kosciuszko (2228 meters above sea level), the lowest point is Lake. Air (16 meters below sea level). The most south point- this is Cape South-East, the most northern is Cape York. The westernmost is Cape Steep Point, the easternmost is Cape Byron. The length of the coastline is 36,700 km (together with Tasmania).
Administrative division: 2 territories and 6 states. National anthem countries: "Forward, beautiful Australia!" The holiday is Australia Day.
The largest continent is Eurasia. Its area is 54,759,000 km² - this is approximately 36% of the land. On it are located as many as 2 parts of the world - Europe and Asia. There are 4 of them, including the largest - Russia, which occupies 30% of the territory of Eurasia. 75% of the world's population lives in Eurasia in 102 states. Here is located - Chomolungma (Everest)
Eurasia is the largest continent on planet Earth
Part of the world - regions of land, including the continents or large parts of them, along with nearby islands.
The second largest continent is Africa. Its area is 30,221,532 km² - this is approximately 20% of the land. There are 55 states on the territory of Africa, the largest of which, and one of the 10 largest, is Algeria. Africa has the largest number.
Africa is the second largest continent
The third largest continent is North America. Area - 24,250,000 km² (16% land). Within the territory of North America there are 23 states in which a little more than half a billion people live. 2 North American countries (Canada and USA) are in the top 10.
North America is the third largest continent
The fourth largest continent is South America. Area - 17,840,000 km² (slightly less than 12% of the land area). There are 12 countries on the territory of South America, in which almost 400 million people live. 2 countries in South America (Argentina and Brazil) are in the top ten.
South America is the fourth largest continent
Antarctica is the continent with the highest proportion of Russian citizens - from 4% in summer to 10% in winter, in Eurasia only - 3%
Antarctica is the fifth largest continent
The sixth and last largest continent is Australia. Area - 7,659,861 km² (5% of the land area). There is only one state on the mainland - Australia, whose population is only 23 million people.
Australia is the smallest continent by area
How easy it is to remember the order of decreasing continents
In order to remember in what descending order the continents are located, it is enough to imagine how they are located on the map and remember this diagram:
Continents in decreasing order - from largest to smallest
Australia is an amazing continent with unusual nature and history. This is the smallest continent on Earth. In addition, this is the only continent of the planet, the territory of which is completely occupied by one state (with the same name).
The smallest continent in the world
In the southern hemisphere, between the Indian and Pacific oceans, this continent is located. Everyone who studied geography well at school knows the answer to the question: "Which continent is the smallest?" Of course, this is Australia! Its area is approximately 7.66 million square kilometers.
The smallest continent is quite compact. It stretches for 3,700 kilometers from north to south, and 4,000 kilometers from west to east.
Australia is extremely poorly populated. The population density here is only 3 people per one square meter sushi. Even the number of sheep on the continent is several times greater than the number of people here!
Well, now you are aware of which mainland is the smallest. Nevertheless, Australia has many other equally fascinating records and interesting features.
General geographical information about the mainland
The smallest continent is also the lowest on the entire planet! So, the average height here is only 330 meters. This continent is also very dry: about a third of its entire surface is occupied by lifeless deserts.
There are few mountains in Australia, and they are low. In the southeast of the mainland, the Australian Alps rise with Mount Kosciuszko - highest point the entire continent. Its absolute height is 2228 meters. By the way, there is much more snow in the Australian Alps than in those Alps that are in Europe.
The smallest continent on Earth has another interesting record. So, this is the only continent on the planet that does not have active volcanoes at all. The largest Australian river system- Murray and Darling.
It is curious that the Australians on the maps depict their native mainland in the central part of the canvas. And on the periphery all the other continents of the planet are shown.
Features of the flora and fauna of the mainland
Probably everyone has heard about the endemicity of Australia. Of the 12 thousand plant species, nine thousand are found only here. The reason for this is simple and understandable: since the Cretaceous period, the mainland has been completely isolated from the rest of the world. The most popular Australian plant endemics are the eucalyptus, as well as several types of acacias.
Of the animals, the most famous endemics of Australia are kangaroo, emu, platypus, echidna and koala.
Many probably also know about the history of Australian rabbits. Also in mid-nineteenth century, 24 of these animals were released here. However, after a few years, thanks to active reproduction and the absence of predators, their number increased to two million! Today, there are more rabbits in Australia than there are Chinese in China, and the state is making every effort to curb the growth of their population.
The smallest continent cannot boast of a rich fauna. However, people suffering from arachnophobia should not go to Australia. After all, there are at least 1500 species of different spiders. There are many snakes here, including poisonous ones (20 species).
Australia is famous for its wide pastures for livestock. It is on this continent that the largest farm in the world operates. And around it is located the largest pasture, which is comparable in area to the territory of Belgium.
Australia: population and languages
The smallest continent was discovered by James Cook in 1770. Up to this point, the only inhabitants of Australia were the Aborigines.
After the discovery of the continent, its active colonization soon began. Interestingly, the first settlers who landed on the shores of Australia were exiled criminals.
Today, about 23 million people live on the mainland. Australians often refer to their country as "Oz". But the toponym "Australia" comes from the Latin "australis", which can be translated as "southern land".
Australia is characterized high level urbanization. About 60% of the total population lives in five largest cities country. These are Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. It is curious that the capital - the city of Canberra - is not on this list.
The vast majority of Australians speak English language. At the same time, it is believed that a dialect of this language is widespread on the continent - "Strain", which differs in pronunciation from pure English.
Finally, we offer a few more interesting facts about this land:
- the national emblem of Australia depicts a kangaroo and an emu;
- one in three Australians never tie the knot;
- in Australia, a person has to pay a fine for not appearing in elections;
- despite the fact that the kangaroo is national symbol Australia, on the mainland, its meat is actively eaten;
- Australians are very gambling people, every fifth poker player comes from this continent;
- no city on the mainland has a subway system;
- every fourth citizen of Australia was born outside of it.
Finally...
Australia is the smallest continent on our beautiful planet. Here is a unique and inimitable nature, characterized by endemicity. More than half of the representatives of the Australian flora and fauna are not found on other continents of the Earth.
Off the eastern coast of Australia is the Great Barrier Reef - a real natural miracle, the longest coral reef in the world, whose length exceeds 2000 kilometers!
