Why is Australia so Empty?

Australia, a continent comparable in size to the lower 48 US states, stands as a paradox of space and population. Despite its vast land area, Australia’s population barely exceeds 26 million, making it the 53rd most populous country in the world. In contrast, smaller regions like the UK and the island of Java boast significantly higher populations. This begs the question: Why is 95% of Australia so empty?

Population Distribution and Urbanisation

The majority of Australians, around 90%, live in five major cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. This intense urbanisation leaves the remaining regions sparsely populated or uninhabited. The population is heavily concentrated within 50 km of the coastline, with about 85% of all Australians residing there. This distribution creates unique situations, such as the Shire of East Pilbara, an area the size of Japan with a population of just over 10,000. Similarly, the Pastoral Unincorporated Area, adjacent to Adelaide and roughly the size of France, is home to only 3,750 people.

Environmental Factors

• Arid Climate: A significant portion of Australia is desert or desert-like, with such conditions existing over about 35% of the continent’s total area. The western side of Australia is affected by cold ocean currents, which hinder the formation of rain clouds. The Great Dividing Range along the east coast creates a rain shadow, limiting moisture penetration into the interior.
• Rainfall Patterns: Australia is the driest inhabited continent, with the least average annual rainfall. Rainfall is concentrated along the east coast, Tasmania, and the southwest corner around Perth. Northern Australia experiences erratic rainfall, with most of it occurring during the wet season.
• Limited Freshwater Resources: Despite having considerable freshwater resources compared to other countries, Australia faces challenges due to the scarcity of large rivers. The Murray-Darling Basin, the most significant river system, has a low flow rate compared to other major river systems.
• Poor Soil Quality: Much of Northern Australia has suffered continuous weathering and erosion, resulting in soil that is poor for agriculture.

Historical and Migratory Factors

• Remoteness: Australia’s isolation has historically limited migration. For millions of years, it remained separated from other major land masses, leading to unique evolutionary paths for its wildlife.
• Migration Policies: For much of its history, Australia’s immigration policies restricted non-European migration. The “White Australia” policy, which was in effect until 1973, favoured migrants of European ancestry.
• Slow Population Growth: Due to its low initial population base and restrictive immigration policies, Australia’s population growth lagged behind other continents.

Other Considerations

• Dangerous Animals: The presence of dangerous animals in the deserts contributes to the perception that much of the country is uninhabitable.
• Agricultural Land: Only 6.5% of Australia has soil suitable for farming. However, this small percentage is about the size of France. Australia has more arable land than several countries combined, but a relatively small population.

In conclusion, Australia’s sparse population is a result of a combination of factors. Its arid climate, erratic rainfall, limited freshwater resources, and poor soil quality make large areas of the country difficult to inhabit. Historical factors such as remoteness and restrictive immigration policies have also played a significant role in limiting population growth. Despite these challenges, Australia remains a major agricultural producer and exporter, with a growing and multicultural population.