World Geography: Oceania (More than just Australia) Mr. Meester World History

New Definition Most geographers no longer consider Australia be a continent by itself. They now combine Australia with New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the thousands of surrounding islands calling it Oceania.

Map of Oceania

Basic Geographic Facts Oceania only contains just over 3 million square miles of territory. This makes it the world’s smallest continent. It makes up less than 5% of the world’s land. That makes it about 7.5 times the size of the state of California.

The Highs and Lows The highest point is Mt. Wilhelm on Papua New Guinea at 14,794 feet. The low point is found at Australia’s Lake Eyre at just 52 feet below sea level.

People, People, People The population of Oceania is relatively low at 32 million. Over 25 million live in Australia & New Zealand. (37 million live in CA) Religiously Christianity as well as a number of primitive native religions are common. Ethnically whites dominate Australia & New Zealand while Pacific Islanders are found elsewhere.

People of Oceania

Economic Facts Tourism makes up a huge part of the economy of Oceania. Agriculture is also very important. New Zealand & Australia make up the majority of lamb & wool production in the world. In Australia mining has also been an important source of revenue.

Shrinking Islands One major environmental problem in Oceania are rising sea-levels. Many island nations have a maximum elevation under 100 feet. Global warming and the melting of the polar icecaps are slowly causing islands to shrink.

Weird Critters Oceania is home to a large number of animals found no where else on earth. Australia & Oceania are thought to be the 1st continents to separate from the rest. Many creatures are now threatened by the encroachment of man.