Countries
Australia
Fiji
Kiribati
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Micronesia, Federated States of
Nauru
New Zealand
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Navigation
Overview: Oceania
Oceania is composed of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and numerous other island states and archipelagos. There are an estimated 25,000 islands in this region, ranging in size from the continent of Australia to islands comprised of a few rocks.
Australia and New Zealand were strongly influenced by developments in the west and have created prosperous economies. Papua New Guinea is beginning to recreate its infrastructure and commercial sector after a nine-year war ended in 1997.
The Pacific islands are mostly based on the fishing and tourism industries. The majority of the residents live in traditional villages with fewer than 100 people. The islands are warm throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 20° C to 27° C. These moderate temperatures boost the thriving tourism sector, which can account for more than 50 percent of GDP for some countries.
Regional Headlines
