Cultural Characteristics of Australia, the Pacific Islands and Antarctica Francisci WG.4

The Pacific Islands The Pacific Islands are sparsely (thinly scattered) populated. Many of the Pacific Islands are developing nations.

The Pacific Islands Many of the people living in the Pacific Islands are subsistence farmers living in rural areas. Traditional culture dominates these islands. The majority of the people live in thatched roof dwellings: a house covered with dry vegetation such as straw, water reed, sedge, rushes and heather, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof.

New Zealand New Zealand is also a developed country with most of the population living in modern cities Language: English Religion: Protestant The indigenous people of New Zealand are called the Maori (10% of the population). The culture of New Zealand reflects a mix of both European and Maori backgrounds. 1st country to allow women to vote

Population of Australia The population of Australia is clustered along the coasts. The interior of Australia is sparsely populated because this region is primarily desert climate. Australia is a very well developed country with the majority of the people living in modern cities.

Australia’s Beginnings The indigenous people of Australia are called the Aborigines: a person that has been in a country or region from earliest times (40,000 years ago). Did not build permanent villages Used dingoes to help them hunt: wild dogs of Australia Now only 2.5% of the population Have laws to protect them – many are victims of poverty, disease and poor education.

Arrival of the British The British discovered Australia in the 1700s and claimed the land for Britain. In 1787, a ship carrying British convicts started a prison settlement in Australia. In 1901, Australia became independent of Britain. Currently, the culture of Australia reflects both European and Aboriginal backgrounds.

Australian Life Most Australians speak English Religion: Protestant Capital: Canberra Sydney, Australia: Largest and oldest city Major seaport and commercial center Home of Sydney Opera House Melbourne, Australia: 2nd largest city Major Industrial Center Home of the 1956 Summer Olympics

Cultural Landscape Research Stations (Antarctica) Cattle and sheep stations (Australia)

Cultural Landscape Sydney Opera House (Australia) Great Dividing Range (Australia): 4th longest mountain range in the world.

Cultural Landscape Great Barrier Reef (Australia): The world’s largest coral reef system; composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch for 1,616 miles and cover an area of approximately 132,974 sq. miles.