Questions & Answers: Geography - Oceania

Briefly describe the geographic realm of the Pacific.
The geographic realm of the Pacific is made up of the thousands of islands (large and small) that are situated in the Pacific Ocean, between Asia and Australia to the west and the Americas to the east. This geographic realm is more fragmented than any other; it is also culturally heterogeneous. The Pacific Realm is traditionally subdivided into three regions: Melanesia (the most populous Pacific region), which is associated with New Guinea; Micronesia (so named for the small sizes of this region’s constituent islands), which is located to the north; and Polynesia, which extends from the Hawaiian archipelago southward to Easter Island and southwestward to New Zealand. The regions of Melanesia and Polynesia meet in New Zealand (the residents of which are descended from Polynesian peoples) and Australia (whose indigenous population is Melanesian).

Briefly describe the geographic realm of Australia.
The geographic realm of Australia is formed by the regions of Australia and New Zealand. This realm is distinguished from other areas of the world by its continental isolation and the strong influence of Western culture among its peoples, who are demographically unique. Today, the furthest northwestern points of Australia may be considered part of the Pacific Rim region of East Asia. Australia is anomalous alongside Southeast Asia and the regions of the Pacific, due to its relatively high level of economic development. Still, some of the peoples of New Zealand remain traditional societies. The realm of Australia is made up of four regions. Australia the state is divided into an urbanized core and an arid interior, and New Zealand is made up of two large islands that are physically and culturally distinct.

Describe the general economic geography of the Pacific Realm.
The economic geography of the Pacific Realm is based on tourism. Though this realm covers a larger total area than any other, it possesses the least land area. Coral atolls, ancient volcanoes, open sea, and tropical vegetation offer travelers one spectacular view after another. The region of Melanesia produces valuable export items such as palm oil, coffee, and cocoa, in addition to the subsistence-level production of root crops and bananas. Melanesia also houses large mineral deposits. Micronesia is also involved in agriculture; fertile soils in this region help to diversify crop production. Polynesia, the region that includes the Hawaiian Islands, has a highly developed tourism economy. Most states in the Pacific Realm have high or upper-middle income economies.

Describe the general economic geography of Australia.
The economic geography of Australia, as well as New Zealand, relies principally on the exportation of livestock products; Australia also participates in farming (especially wheat) and mining activities. Dependence on a constantly fluctuating world market places this realm’s economy in a precarious position. Despite the plethora of advantages enjoyed by residents of the realm (plentiful farmlands, diverse mineral deposits, access to waterways, and underground water resources, as well as political stability), the Australian economy’s growth has declined. Though it is considered one of the most developed realms in the world, Australia must now compete with the emerging Pacific Rim for trade opportunities. Australia has attempted to integrate itself into the Pacific Rim by exporting raw materials to countries in that region. Agriculturalists in this realm produce grains, rice, and certain fruits, while pastoralists produce wool and meat raising sheep. Manufacturing in Australia remains oriented to local domestic markets, partially due to the high costs of shipping and transportation to and from the relatively isolated realm.