Why is 95% of Australia Almost Completely Uninhabited?
Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country and the only nation to govern an entire continent. The country is known for its unique flora and fauna, as well as its diverse landscape, which includes deserts, tropical rainforests, and alpine regions. However, despite its vast size, Australia has a relatively small population, with most of the country considered a “rural” or “wilderness” area, with most of the population concentrated in urban coastal areas.
So what is the reason behind almost 95% of this massive chunk of land being deserted?
Why Is Australia Just Empty?
There are several reasons why most of Australia is empty. One of the main reasons is the country’s harsh and varied climate. The continent’s interior is known for its hot and arid conditions, with temperatures often reaching well over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
This makes it difficult to sustain human settlements in large interior areas. Additionally, the rugged terrain, lack of water, and the presence of dangerous wildlife also made it difficult for early settlers to establish themselves in many parts of the country.
An Unforgiving Terrain
A prominent reason most of Australia is empty is the country’s rugged terrain. The continent’s interior is characterized by mountains, deserts, and scrublands, making it difficult for settlers to establish themselves in these areas. Additionally, the country’s interior is also prone to bushfires, making it difficult to establish settlements in these areas.
No Blessings From Above
The country has a big problem with a shortage of rainfall as well. More than two-thirds of the country receives less than 500mm of rain annually. This has made that specific area of Australia inhabitable. This region in Australia is generally known as “The Outback.”
