Oceania

Getting to Oceania

Oceania is the smallest continent in terms of size and the second smallest in terms of people. It is divided into four parts: Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. People have been living here for 6,000 years, making it a place with diverse cultures and societies.

Obtaining a Visa for a Trip to Oceania

If you plan to go to any country in Oceania, you'll need a special visa for that country.

Country
Australia
Fiji
Nauru
New Zealand
Palau

Brief Information About Oceania

Here are the key features of Oceania:
Area 8,525,989 km²
Number of countries 14
Biggest country (by area) Australia
Population (2021) 43.2 million
Most populated country Australia
Number of languages spoken Over 1,000 languages across the continent
Largest Island New Guinea
Highest mountain Mount Wilhelm in Papua New Guinea
Longest river Murray River

How many countries are in Oceania?

Oceania has 14 independent countries, which are named below:
Country Capital Area km² Population (2021)
Australia Canberra 7,686,850 25.7 million
Federated States of Micronesia Palikir 702 112,640
Fiji Suva 18,270 902,906
Kiribati South Tarawa 811 115,847
Marshall Islands Majuro 181 59,610
Nauru Yaren 21 10,876
New Zealand Wellington 268,680 4.8 million
Palau Ngerulmud 458 18,169
Papua New Guinea Port Moresby 462,840 9.1 million
Samoa Apia 2,944 200,149
Solomon Islands Honiara 28,450 703,996
Tonga Nukuʻalofa 748 106,760
Tuvalu Funafuti 26 11,931
Vanuatu Port Vila 12,200 314,464


Many countries and places are found in Oceania, but they are controlled by different governments. For instance, French Polynesia is a territory of France.

Languages people speak in Oceania.

Oceania has many native languages, creoles, and pidgins. Here are some of the most commonly spoken languages in Oceania:

Although English is the official language in most Oceania countries, not many native people speak it. In the Solomon Islands, for instance, English is the official language, but only a small percentage, around 1-2% of the population, can speak it well. Most people there speak a type of English creole called Solomons Pijin.
Language Region Number of speakers
English* Australia 30 million
New Zealand
Fiji
Papua New Guinea
Vanuatu
Kiribati
The Papuan Languages New Guinea (and surrounding territories) 4 million
Fijian Fiji 500,000
Solomon Islands
Hindu Fiji 400,000
Australia
New Zealand
Polynesian French Polynesia 100,000
New Caledonia
Solomon Islands

Top Places to Go in Oceania

Here are a few countries that many people visit in Oceania:
  • Australia. In 2019, Australia welcomed 8.7 million international visitors. This Oceanic country is incredibly popular with tourists, thanks to its diverse wildlife, stunning coastline, and favorable working holiday visa scheme, making it an excellent destination for backpacking tourism.
  • New Zealand. As the second most popular tourist destination in Oceania, New Zealand attracted 3.8 million tourists in 2019. Its main draw is the expansive green landscapes that appeal to foreign visitors. Notable cities include Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington.
  • Fiji. Comprising 332 islands, Fiji is a renowned tourist spot, especially for honeymooners. The country offers a plethora of places to visit and explore.
  • Vanuatu. With around 83 islands, many uninhabited, Vanuatu is a popular tourist destination for those seeking privacy. Known for its recreational diving opportunities along the coral reef, Vanuatu also features the remains of the SS President Coolidge, a troop carrier wrecked during World War II.
  • Samoa. Consisting of two main islands and several smaller ones, Samoa boasts some of the best beaches in the region. Visitors can unwind and enjoy a fantastic holiday, and history enthusiasts can explore the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.

Popular Tourist Spots in Oceania

Some of the best places to visit in Oceania are:
  • Great Barrier Reef. Situated in Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's largest coral reefs, stretching over 2,300 km. Designated as a World Heritage site in 1981, this natural wonder is visible from outer space. Popular activities include diving, snorkeling, and exploring the reef on a boat or cruise.
  • Sydney Opera House. Also a World Heritage site, the Sydney Opera House was completed in 1973. It stands as one of the most iconic architectural pieces of the 20th century, accommodating over 5,000 people. The building appears to float on water, supported by several concrete piers along the Sydney Harbour.
  • Hobbiton. New Zealand is home to the movie set where the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was primarily filmed. A major attraction for fans is visiting Hobbiton, the shire of the hobbits depicted in the movies.
  • Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Known for its best hiking trails in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park is another World Heritage site in Oceania. Visitors can explore the fjords, with kayaking being one of the most popular activities.
  • Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple. Located in Nadi, Fiji, this is one of the largest Hindu temples in the Pacific. The temple's architecture is breathtaking, featuring delicate carvings and colorful patterns. Visitors can also enjoy various festivals and participate in celebrations.
  • To Sua Ocean Trench. Situated on Samoa's main island, Upolu, the To Sua Ocean Trench is a popular tourist spot. This natural wonder is a volcanic sinkhole formed above a lava tunnel that extends to the sea. The trench now serves as a fantastic saltwater swimming and afternoon picnic destination.
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