Oceania

Oceania is a geographic region centered in the tropical Pacific Ocean, comprising Australasia (Australia and New Zealand) and the wider areas of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. It spans a vast maritime expanse and is home to about 42 million people. The region is linguistically and culturally diverse, with hundreds of indigenous languages and distinct traditions alongside English and other colonial-era languages used in administration and education.

Governance varies widely. Australia and New Zealand are developed sovereign states; many Pacific island nations are small developing states. Several territories—such as French Polynesia and New Caledonia—are overseas possessions of France, while parts of Micronesia and other areas have special arrangements with the United States. Economies range from advanced in Australia and New Zealand to small, resource- and tourism-based economies in many Pacific island nations. Common sectors include services, mining, fishing, agriculture, and aid-dependent development.

Environment and culture: The region includes diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef. Oceanic cultures feature rich maritime traditions, artistic expressions, and social structures shaped by long-standing navigational knowledge, especially in Polynesia. Climate change and sea-level rise pose significant challenges for many islands, affecting communities and infrastructure.