Why is 95% of Australia Almost Completely Uninhabited?

Why is almost 95% of Australia empty, and what can be done about it?

Jules
5 min readJan 16, 2023
Photo by Caleb Russell on Unsplash

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.

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Jules

Psychology Expert | MSc Social and Cultural Psychology