Australia and New Zealand are two countries situated in the Southern Hemisphere. People often get confused between these two countries because of the similarities they both share.
But apart from all the similarities, these two countries have several differences between them. Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, situated between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, with an area of 7,741,220 sq. km and a small population of 25,364,307.
On the other hand, New Zealand is a country with two islands situated in the Pacific Ocean, neighboring Australia, with an area of 268,838.00 sq. km and a population of 4,917,000. Image Example –
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Key Differences –
Australia –
1. Australia, with an area of 7.7 million sq. km., is the 6th largest country in the world.
2. Australia has a population of 25,364,307.
3. A mixed system of government prevails in Australia. It has a Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary Democracy, and Federation of States.
4. Education and Schooling are different in different states of Australia.
5. Australia is famous for its deserts and beaches.
New Zealand –
1. New Zealand is a country constating of two islands with an area of 2.68 thousand sq. km.
2. New Zealand has a population of 4,917,000.
3. New Zealand also has a mixed system of government, i.e., Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy.
4. Education and Schooling are the same in every state of New Zealand.
5. New Zealand is famous for its mountains and lakes.
Comparison Between Australia And New Zealand
| Parameter | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Australia is situated in the middle of the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. | New Zealand is an island country situated in the Pacific ocean in the Southern Hemisphere. |
| Capital City | Canberra is Australia’s capital city. | Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. |
| Official Language | Australia does not have any official language. But English is a widely spoken language. | New Zealand has three official languages namely Maori, English, and New Zealand Sign Language. |
| National Anthem | Advance Australia Fair is the national anthem of Australia. | God Save New Zealand and God Save the Queen are the two national anthems of New Zealand. |
| Best Intl. Rankings | Australia ranks 4th in Global Health Security and in Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness, | New Zealand ranks 1st in the Ease of doing Business Index. |
| Religion | Widely followed religions in Australia are Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. | Widely followed religions in New Zealand are Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. |
| Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD) is the currency of Australia. | New Zealand Dollar (NZD_ is the currency of New Zealand. |
| National Animal & Bird | Australia’s national bird is Emu, and the national animal is Kangaroo. | Kiwi is the national bird as well as the national animal of the New Zealand. |
| National Sport | Australia’s national sports are cricket and football. | New Zealand’s national sport is Rugby. |
| Popular for | Australia is famous for its Desserts and Beaches. | New Zealand is famous for its Mountains and Lakes, |
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Fun Fact about Australia and New Zealand –
Australia and New Zealand experience Christmas in the summers. It is because these countries are situated in the Southern Hemisphere. Southern Hemisphere experiences summers from December to March and winters from May to September.
Major Differences Between Australia and New Zealand
What Exactly Is Australia?
Australia is known to be the smallest continent and the 6th largest country in the World. Australia is a developed nation that is situated in the middle of the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere.
Due to the vast number of beaches in Australia, there is always a worldwide tourist attraction.
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Features of Australia
- Australia is the only continent in the whole World that is also the only single country.
- The migrants in Australia mainly consist of Europeans.
- Australia is ranked 4th in the Global Health Security Index and in Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index as well.
- Australia’s Capital city is Canberra.
- The Australian Dollar (AUD) is Australia’s currency.
- Melbourne is the most populated city in Australia.
- Advance Australia Fair is the national anthem of Australia.
- Australia’s national bird is Emu.
- Australia’s national animal is Kangaroo.
- Australia’s national sport is Cricket and Australian Football.
What exactly is New Zealand?
New Zealand is also a developed nation with two National Anthems situated in the Pacific Ocean and in the Southern Hemisphere. New Zealand is an island country mainly consisting of two islands, namely the North and the South Island.
Maori population has been present in New Zealand since the 1200s AD, and the language Maori is still spoken in New Zealand along with English. It is known to be the first country to allow women to vote in the whole World.
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Features of New Zealand
1. New Zealand has a town with the biggest name in the whole World, namely Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.
2. The migrants in New Zealand mainly consist of people all around the World.
3. New Zealand is ranked 1st in the Ease of doing business index.
4. New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington.
5. New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is New Zealand’s currency.
6. Auckland is the most populated city in New Zealand.
7. New Zealand’s national anthems are God Defend New Zealand, and God Save the Queen.
8. New Zealand’s national bird and animal are Kiwi.
9. New Zealand’s national sport is Rugby.
Contrast Between Australia and New Zealand
Origin of The Word
- Australia – This word originated from the Latin word “Australis,” meaning “Southern.”
- New Zealand – This word originated from the Dutch name “Nieuw Zeeland.”
Area
- Australia – Australia has an area of 7,741,220 sq. km.
- New Zealand -New Zealand has an area of 268,838.00 sq. km.
Population
- Australia – Australia has a population of 25,364,307.
- New Zealand – 4,917,000.
Government
- Australia – Australia has a mixed government system comprising the Federation of States, Parliamentary Democracy, and Constitutional Monarchy.
- New Zealand – New Zealand also has a mixed system of Government, namely Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy.
National Anthem
- Australia – Australia’s national anthem is Advance Australia Fair.
- New Zealand – New Zealand’s national anthems are God Defend New Zealand, and God Save the Queen.
Currency
- Australia – Australia has the Australian Dollar (AUD) as its currency.
- New Zealand – New Zealand has New Zealand Dollar (NZD) as its currency.
GDP
- Australia – Australia’s GDP is 1.39 Trillion Dollars.
- New Zealand – New Zealand’s GDP is 206.93 Billion Dollars.
Best International Rankings
- Australia – Australia ranks 4th in Global Health Security Index and in Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness.
- New Zealand – New Zealand ranks 1st in the Ease of Doing Business Index.
Official Language
- Australia – Australia does not have any official language. English is widely spoken in Australia.
- New Zealand – New Zealand has three official languages, namely Maori, English, and New Zealand sign language.
Capital City
- Australia – Australia’s capital city is Canberra.
- New Zealand – New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington.
Most Populated City
- Australia – The most populated city in Australia in Melbourne.
- New Zealand – The most populated city in New Zealand is Auckland.
Religion
- Australia – Many people in Australia follow no religion. Those who do mainly follow Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
- New Zealand – Many people in New Zealand also follow no religion. Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam are the most followed.
Schooling
- Australia – Schooling practices are different in different states of Australia.
- New Zealand – Schooling practices are the same throughout New Zealand.
National Animal
- Australia – The Kangaroo is the national animal of Australia.
- New Zealand – The national animal of New Zealand, is Kiwi.
National Bird
- Australia – Emu is the national bird of Australia.
- New Zealand -Kiwi is also the national bird of New Zealand.
National Sport
- Australia – Australia’s National sport is Cricket and Australian Football.
- New Zealand -New Zealand’s national sport is Rugby.
National Fruit
- Australia – Riberry is the national fruit of Australia.
- New Zealand – Kiwi is the national fruit of New Zealand.
Popular For
- Australia – Australia is famous for its Desserts and Beaches.
- New Zealand – New Zealand is famous for its Lakes and Mountains.
Famous Places
- Australia – Some of the famous places in Australia are Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountains National Park (New South Wales), Bondi Beach (New South Wales), and Daintree National Park (Queensland).
- New Zealand – Some of the famous places in New Zealand are Fiordland National Park (South Island), Bay of Island (North Island), Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers (South Island), Aoraki or Mount Cook National Park (South Island), Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park (North Island).
Conclusion
Australia and New Zealand are the two neighboring countries situated in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia is the 6th largest country and the smallest continent in the World.
Australia is a very large developed country with no official language, but English is the widely spoken language in Australia. There is a mixed system of Government in this country.
Most people follow no religion in Australia, and those who follow religions mainly practice Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
New Zealand, on the other hand, comprises two islands situated in the Pacific Ocean. It is a developed nation with two national anthems and three official languages.
Just like Australia, New Zealand also has a mixed system of Government. The most followed religions are Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What is Maori? Why is it the Official Language of New Zealand?
The Maori community is an indigenous Polynesian community that came to New Zealand in the 1300s. Their language is called Maori as well.
They were the first people to find habitat in New Zealand; thus, to preserve its culture of it, Maori is recognized as the official language of New Zealand.
Q2. Why Australia/New Zealand are called “down under”?
Earth is in a sphere shape, and by using imaginary lines called Latitudes, the earth is divided horizontally into two halves.
The upper hemisphere is Northern Hemisphere, and the lower hemisphere is the Southern Hemisphere (cause the Northern and Southern Hemisphere to denote the North and the South of the Earth).
Australia and New Zealand both the countries lie in the Southern Hemisphere. Thus, they are called “Down Under.”
Q3. Why does New Zealand have two national anthems?
They have national anthems in English and Maori language to respect the English speakers and Maori speakers.
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