The smallest continent by land area is Australia. This continent, which is also often referred to as the island continent, has an area of about 2.7 million square miles (7 million square kilometers). Australia is unique in that it is both a country and a continent, surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It features diverse landscapes, including deserts, rainforests, and coastlines, and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Australia is known for its distinct culture, indigenous heritage, and vibrant cities.