Causes of low population density - Australia
Content guide
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relief
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temperatures
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precipitation
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soil fertility / inability to grow food / inadequate food supply
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lack of water sources/rivers ; desert/ drought
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much land is used for agriculture/protected environments
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lack of resources
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poor access
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landlocked
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low employment/ lack of jobs
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lack of economic growth
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Place specific reference: named parts/mountains/roads/settlements of chosen country, population data, climate data, etc.
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Introduction:
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Australia has the lowest population density: 3 people per km2 (as of June 2022).
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It’s the world's 6th largest country in land area, but most of the population is concentrated in two regions: South east and East, Southwest.
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Highest density: in the Australian Capital Territory: 174 people per km2.
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Lowest density: in the Northern Territory: 0.2 people per km2.
Relief, soil type:
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The arid Australian Outback occupies around 73% of the continent, and around 40% of Australia’s interior is desert: eg. Great Victoria Desert, Great Sandy Desert.
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This desert terrain consists of rough grasses and scrubland that is highly infertile and unsuitable for agriculture, leading to inadequate food supplies.
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Despite the dry soils, agriculture still accounts for over half of Australia's land use.
Temperature:
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Temperatures range from 40ËšC in the summer to between 16ËšC and 24ËšC in winter.
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There are usually high temperatures during the day and chilly conditions at night - night temperatures can vary from 19ËšC to 0ËšC.
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As temperatures rise due to climate change, heat strokes have become a concern.
Precipitation:
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Semi-arid regions (eg. Tennant Creek) receives 400mm of annual rainfall per year.
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Arid regions (eg. Alice Springs) receive 200-300mm of annual rainfall.
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Desert zones receive only 150mm annual rainfall.
Lack of services:
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Due to the vast distances and poor accessibility, normal schools are not a viable option. Through the School of Air, Teachers broadcast lessons via satellite to radios.
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Primary and emergency medical care is delivered by the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia: planes fly to the remote areas of the Outback that don't have doctors.
Mining:
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Australia is rich in resources like coal, iron ore, copper, gold, and uranium, and exports are worth 200 billion dollars.
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With over 350 operating mine sites across the country, people are forced from their homes and land.
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