I've been trying to read up about Australia, but most of the books at the
library are for children. How much of the country is considered outback?

http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Media?id=mp000282

Looking at this map, the east coast, southeast, and Perth look busy, but
most of it looks dead. Looks like at least 2/3rds or 4/5ths dead. What do
you think?