Australia and Oceania Unit 10

Australia Geographers classify Australia as continent because of its size. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the North and East, and the Indian Ocean to the West Very flat topography except for Great Dividing Range that followings along the Eastern coast Mostly desert Great Victoria, Gibson, and Sandy The Outback, or “The Bush” Sparsely settled Intense topography Driest continent – very little freshwater above ground Most is in artesian wells – underground water sources

The Outback

Uluhu/Ayers Rock

New Zealand Archipelago 1000 miles Southeast of Australia – is NOT part of Australia Unlike Australia, very mountainous - formed by glaciers. Calderas – volcanic craters

Climate & Ecology Differ by region Most of Australia is desert Only 6% is arable Most of New Zealand is temperate. Tasmania, the island province of Australia is distinctive tropical, as is the North West Corner Northern Australia is affected by the monsoon Dry seasons are prone to dangerous brush fires. Australia is home to most of the world’s marsupial animals. 90% of New Zealand’s indigenous plants are found ONLY there. Great Barrier Reef Largest coral reef in the world Home to thousands of species of marine life

Great Barrier Reef

Political & Economic Geography Given dominion status from the British Empire in 1901 (Australia) and 1907 (New Zealand) Part of the empire politically, but control their own affairs internationally, economically, and internally. New Zealand was the first nation in the world to let women vote – 1893. Given their British history, their culture is distinctively Anglican (religion, dress, food, etc.) that has been lightly influenced by the indigenous and Pacific Island cultures. Supports the UK in military affairs, but tend to stay out of conflicts. Both New Zealand and Australia are industrialized nations with very wealth and very diverse economies.

Population Most of the people in Australia and New Zealand live on the coast. Most are decedents of British settlers who came to during the 17th and 18th centuries Australia was a initially prison colony 25-30% of Australians are decedents of criminals Distinctive English dialect called Strine English Pidgin language (lingua franca) Cattle and sheep stations (ranches) – very lucrative – more people migrated there, and by 1800, Australia & New Zealand became a desirable colonial location.

The Aborigine and Torres Strait Islanders Called the Aborigine (Originals) by the British The indigenous people of Australia – believe the inhabited Australia at least 40,000 years ago. Oldest continual culture on earth Actually about 3 dozen individual tribes remain Less 1% of the population Pushed from Coastal Areas into the Outback, where tens of thousands died from inability to live in hostile environment The Stolen Ones Children of mixed race taken and institutionalized to ‘civilize’ them in European Culture from 1905-1969 Hope was to eradicate them as a people No political rights until 1965 While many of the younger generations have assimilated into the modern tapestry of Australia, many still live in remote areas and celebrate traditional ways of life – VERY suspicious of outsiders

Aboriginals on Australia Day In your notes answer these question: How to Aboriginals feel about Australia day? Do you feel their concerns are justified? Why or why not? Do you think that any American ethnic groups would identify? Why or why not?

The Maori The Maori named themselves after the arrival of British. Interactions were amicable through most of history Maori men could own property and got the right to vote in 1840; Maori women in 1893. No segregation or ‘relocation’ policies. Treated better than Aborigines because they were competing with them for good farm land. The Maori make 15% of the population of New Zealand Community is plagued with low socio-economic achievement, as many have remained fisherman or subsistence farmers Lowest education rates, high crime rates, alcoholism of any minority it group in Australia or New Zealand.

Economics in Australia and New Zealand Both countries have very healthy economies with strong GDPs are considered industrialized countries (MDCs) While most people are employed in services, both have very healthy agriculture industries Cattle and Sheep ranching are the largest farm activies. Grain is only grown the southern part of the continent, so many have to be imported Mining and oil drilling has become a huge industry in both Australia and New Zealand Australia is the world’s largest supplier of bauxite – a mineral necessary in aluminum production.

Ecological Concerns Australia struggles with desertification and fresh water conservation. New Zealand is geographically positioned very near the thinnest region of the ozone layer Climate change affects the land. Glaciers melting, seasons becoming warmer and changing agricultural capabilities.

Oceania Ocean is made of up three principle regions: Micronesia Polynesia Melanesia The island archipelagos are either 1) the result of shifting plates, or 2) volcanic activity All have tropic climates. Oceania has the largest concentration of dependencies, or colonies. Australia New Zealand US UK France

Oceania Oceanic culture is thousands of years old 1200 languages Dozens of diverse groups – hunter/gather/fishermen Animistic spirituality (earth and sea) Adopted religions of colonizing forces Migrated from the islands via canoe in search of fishing banks Most countries are developing Dependent on fishing, fruit export Goods must be imported in Heavily dependent on tourism or colonial support