Oceania

Oceania spans across the antimeridian and, as such, can be considered to be both part of the western and eastern hemispheres.

It is a hotspot for volcanic and tectonic activities and after Antarctica, it is the least populated continent on Earth. It is composed of its main body of land in Australia, and dotted with hundreds of Pacific islands.

 Facts & Trivia

km²
Area: 24,230,000
Population: 592,296,233
Countries
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(updated 2021)

Mount Cook, or Aoraki as it is known by the Maori people, is the highest mountain on land, standing at 3,754 m/ 12,316 ft tall. This majestic mountain is located on the Southern Island of New Zealand, a region known for its impressive alpine terrain. In fact, its landscape is comprised of a whopping 23 peaks that surpass the 3,000 m/ 9,800 ft mark. The island is also home to an expansive glacier, the Tasman Glacier, which extends for 27 km/ 16 miles.

The Murray River is the longest river in Australia, stretching 2,508 km/ 1,558 miles from the Australian Alps in Victoria to the lower lakes and meeting the Indian Ocean in South Australia. Apart from its natural beauty, the river is home to a large variety of unique native flora and fauna, providing an important habitat for local wildlife. Additionally, the Murray River serves an important role in sustaining local agricultural activity, providing irrigation and water resources to a number of farming communities.

No surprise here. Australia is the largest island in Oceania, both in terms of size and population. Covering an area of 7,692,024 sq km, Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world. It is also home to 25.7 million people, making it the most populous Oceania country. Beyond its lush landscapes, deserts, and beaches, there are plenty of activities to explore in Australia, from friendly cities to World Heritage listed sites and national parks.

Most people (73%) in Oceania describe themselves as Christians. Other religions practised are Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Baha’i, animism, and cults related to ancestor worship. Certain traditional tribes also believe in spirits and natural forces to explain their environment and life. In addition, the region is home to a variety of spiritual practices, which vary from island to island.

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