The smallest continent by land area is Australia. Often referred to as both a country and a continent, Australia has a total land area of about 7.7 million square kilometers, making it smaller than other continents such as Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is sometimes called "island continent" due to its unique geographical characteristics, being surrounded by water on all sides. Australia is home to diverse ecosystems ranging from deserts to tropical forests and is known for its unique wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas. Being the only continent to be governed by a single country, Australia plays a vital role in global biodiversity and cultural heritage.