Final answer:
The statement regarding Australia's sparse population distribution is true. The majority of the population lives in urban areas along the coast, with significant portions of the interior being sparsely populated due to arid conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Australia has one of the most sparse population distributions in the world is true. Australia's inhabitants are predominantly urban dwellers, with approximately 90 percent living in cities, most of which are located along the coast. These urban areas are concentrated in two main core regions: the larger southeastern coast, which stretches from Brisbane to Adelaide, and the smaller area around Perth in the west.
Large expanses of the Australian landscape, known as the outback, are characterized by their arid conditions and are sparsely populated. Here, the population is thin and predominantly focused on mining and agriculture. Consequently, there is a stark core-periphery spatial relationship in Australia, where the core holds the majority of the power, wealth, and population, while the periphery is rich in natural resources.
Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane are major urban centers that contribute to the country's economic and cultural hubs. Similarly, Sydney operates as the heart of New South Wales, similar to how New York functions in the United States. The distinct population distribution in Australia reflects the geographical challenges and historical development patterns influenced by European colonization.