Oceanien

Oceanien is a geographic and cultural region in the Pacific Ocean. It encompasses the continents and islands of Australasia as well as the island groups of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The region includes Australia and New Zealand, along with numerous sovereign island nations and territories.

Oceanien spans a wide range of environments, from tropical small islands to continental Australia and the vast seas in between. It contains diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, and highlands. The climate ranges from tropical to temperate, with many island nations exposed to tropical cyclones and sea-level rise threats.

Together the region is home to roughly 40 to 43 million people. There is no single Oceanien government; sovereignty is distributed among 14 independent states and many self-governing territories. The largest economies are Australia and New Zealand, while many Pacific island nations have smaller economies that rely on sectors such as services, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.

Oceanien has a long history of seafaring and diverse indigenous cultures. Indigenous peoples include Aboriginal Australians, Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Hawaiian, and numerous Micronesian and Melanesian communities. European contact began in the late 15th to 18th centuries, followed by colonization and gradual moves toward independence in the 20th century.

Modern Oceanien faces challenges and opportunities related to climate change, natural disasters, resource management, and sustainable development. Tourism, mining, agriculture, and fisheries are important economic activities in many parts of the region, while international aid and regional cooperation play roles in development and security.