Oceania: A Continent of Diversity and Beauty
Oceania is a geographical region that is described as a continent in some parts of the world. It includes Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Spanning the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, Oceania is estimated to have a land area of 8,525,989 square kilometres (3,291,903 sq mi) and a population of around 44.4 million as of 2022.
Oceania has a diverse mix of economies, cultures, languages, and natural wonders. From the highly developed and globally competitive financial markets of Australia, French Polynesia, Hawaii, New Caledonia, and New Zealand, which rank high in quality of life and Human Development Index, to the much less developed economies of Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Western New Guinea, Oceania offers a variety of experiences for travelers and adventurers alike.
What to See and Do in Oceania
Oceania is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife on Earth. Here are some of the highlights:
- Australasia: Australasia comprises Australia and New Zealand, two countries that share a common history and culture but have distinct features and attractions. Australia is known for its vast outback, iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, and its diverse wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses. New Zealand is famous for its stunning scenery, from snow-capped mountains to fjords to volcanoes, as well as its rich Maori heritage and its role as the filming location for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Melanesia: Melanesia consists of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and several smaller islands. Melanesia is characterized by its cultural diversity, with more than 1,000 languages spoken across the region. Melanesia also boasts some of the most pristine coral reefs and tropical rainforests in the world, as well as unique traditions such as fire-walking, kava-drinking, and cannibalism.
- Micronesia: Micronesia encompasses more than 2,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, including Palau, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Wake Island (US), Baker Island (US), Howland Island (US), Jarvis Island (US), Johnston Atoll (US), Kingman Reef (US), Midway Atoll (US), Palmyra Atoll (US), American Samoa (US), Tokelau (NZ), Niue (NZ), Cook Islands (NZ), Wallis and Futuna (FR), French Polynesia (FR), Pitcairn Islands (UK), Easter Island (CL). Micronesia is known for its rich marine life and biodiversity, with some of the best diving spots in the world. Micronesia also has a fascinating history of colonization and resistance by various European powers and Japan.
- Polynesia: Polynesia covers a vast area of the central and southern Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii (US), Samoa (WS/AS), Tonga (TO), Tuvalu (TV), Kiribati (KI), Fiji (FJ), New Zealand (NZ), Cook Islands (CK/NZ), Niue (NU/NZ), Tokelau (TK/NZ), French Polynesia (PF/FR), Wallis and Futuna (WF/FR), Pitcairn Islands (PN/UK), Easter Island (CL). Polynesia is renowned for its cultural heritage and artistic expression,
such as tattooing, carving, weaving, dancing,
and singing. Polynesia also has some of the most
beautiful islands and beaches in the world,
with turquoise lagoons,
palm-fringed shores,
and volcanic peaks.