Oceania

Oceania is a region made up of thousands of islands in the Pacific Ocean. It includes Australia, New Zealand, and island groups like Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Oceania has some of the most beautiful islands and diverse cultures on Earth.

Land and People

About 45 million people live in Oceania. Australia is by far the biggest country. The region has volcanic islands, coral atolls, and tropical rainforests. Many islands are tiny and sit just above sea level.

Culture and Fun Facts

Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian cultures have rich traditions of navigation, storytelling, and art. Ancient Pacific Islanders sailed across the ocean using only the stars, waves, and birds to find their way. Surfing was invented in Polynesia hundreds of years ago.

Fun Facts

• The Pacific Ocean covers more area than all the land on Earth combined.
• Ancient Polynesian navigators crossed the Pacific using stars, waves, and bird movements.
• Surfing was invented in Polynesia, likely in what is now Hawaii.

Did You Know?

Ancient Polynesian sailors crossed thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean without any maps or compasses. They navigated by reading the stars, ocean currents, cloud patterns, and the flight paths of birds. They were some of the greatest navigators in human history.