Australasia

Australasia is a geographic and cultural region in the southern Pacific Ocean. In common usage it typically refers to Australia and New Zealand, and in some definitions it extends to nearby Pacific island nations such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and other Melanesian and Polynesian communities. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with Oceania, but Oceania is a larger umbrella that includes all Pacific Islands beyond the Australasia core.

Geography and ecology: The region covers diverse climates—from the arid interior of Australia to the temperate coastal zones of New Zealand. Biogeographically, the Australasia realm includes Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands and is characterized by distinctive flora and fauna, such as monotremes and marsupials.

History and society: Indigenous peoples include Aboriginal Australians and Māori. European exploration began in the 17th century; British colonization followed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Australia formed a federation in 1901; New Zealand became a dominion in 1907. Both are constitutional monarchies within the Commonwealth and operate parliamentary democracies. The combined population is around 30 million.

Economy and culture: The region hosts high-income economies, with Australia and New Zealand having diversified economies based on services, resources, and agriculture. Major cities include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, and Wellington. The term Australasia is largely used in business, cultural, and sporting contexts to denote this sphere, rather than a formal political region.