World Regional Geography - Oceania Flashcards

Oceania - Geog 2513

This study note summarizes key geographic, cultural, and religious aspects of Oceania.

Oceania includes Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

Geography and Physical Features

Australia

• Australia is an island, country, and continent, and the smallest continent.
• It features a large mainland and Tasmania.
• It is surrounded by various seas, including the Indian Ocean and the Coral Sea.
• Notable features include the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Australian Bight.
• The Outback is a vast interior region supporting significant sheep and cattle industries.
• The Outback is at risk of desertification.

New Zealand

• Comprises two main islands (North and South) separated by the Cook Strait.
• Has high mountains and receives adequate rainfall.
• Contrasts with Australia's relatively flat terrain.
• Flora includes ancient tree species.
• Wildlife has been affected by introduced species like rabbits and stoats.

Biodiversity

• The historic isolation of Australia and New Zealand has led to unique biodiversity.
• Includes marsupials like kangaroos and koalas, which developed after the continents separated over 200 million years ago.
• Wallace's Line and Weber's Line illustrate the environmental differences in species development between Austral and Asian realms.

Patterns of Human Settlement

• Indigenous Australians, known as Aborigines, have inhabited the continent for 40,000 to 50,000 years.
• European colonization began in the 17th century, with significant impacts on indigenous populations due to disease and land disputes.

Colonialism

Australia

• Inhabited by Aboriginal people for over 40,000 years.
• Colonized by the British in the late 1700s, initially for prison colonies.
• The Aboriginal population has drastically decreased due to disease and displacement.

New Zealand

• The Maori arrived around the 10th century and developed a rich culture.
• The British signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, granting sovereignty but leading to land disputes and loss of rights for the Maori.

Economic Geography

Australia

• Relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and raw material exports.
• Significant resources like minerals and agricultural products.
• The Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast are major tourist attractions.

New Zealand

• Economy is also based on agriculture, particularly sheep and dairy farming.
• Focus on tourism due to its stunning landscapes.
• Geography features high mountains, including the Southern Alps, and fertile plains that support agriculture.
• Wellington is the capital, while Auckland is the largest city with a population of 1.2 million.
• Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island.

Climate and Population

Australia

• Features diverse climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south.
• Most of the population is concentrated in coastal cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

New Zealand

• Has a temperate climate with significant rainfall on the western coasts and drier eastern regions, supporting diverse agricultural activities.

Cultural Dynamics

Australia

• Has a rich cultural landscape influenced by its colonial past.
• Sports play a significant role in society.
• The population is predominantly of European descent, with a small percentage of Aboriginal people.

New Zealand

• The Maori culture is integral to the national identity, with ongoing efforts to address historical grievances and promote cultural heritage.

Maori Culture

• The Maori are indigenous to New Zealand, primarily residing on the North Island.
• They have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional performances that are significant for both tourism and cultural preservation.
• In 2010, the Maori population was about 8% of New Zealand's total population, which was approximately 4.3 million.
• The Maori have not integrated into New Zealand society as extensively as Europeans, facing challenges in maintaining their cultural identity amidst modern influences.