Australia has the largest share of its territory in the Southern Hemisphere among the world's ten largest countries.
Australia lies entirely south of the Equator, so all of its mainland and state and territory land is in the Southern Hemisphere. It is generally ranked sixth worldwide by total area, behind Russia, Canada, China, the United States and Brazil.
Brazil and Argentina also lie mainly or entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, but Brazil crosses the Equator and Argentina is smaller by total area. India and China are entirely or overwhelmingly in the Northern Hemisphere.
Australia's position also explains its seasons: summer occurs around December and January, while winter occurs around June and July. Its isolation has contributed to distinctive wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and monotremes.