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This southern-hemisphere region includes Australia, New

Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and neighbouring

Pacific islands. As all 14 countries are islands, much

of the wildlife is unique and the landscapes are largely

unspoilt. Settlers from southeast Asia first arrived in

Australia thousands of years ago. By the 18th century,

European immigrants had reached the region, which is

now home to more than 30 million people.

Australasia

Antarctica and Oceania

203

PHYSICAL FEATURES

From New Zealand’s geysers and glaciers

to Australia’s coral reefs and coastlines

and the many volcanic islands of the Pacific,

the region is a kaleidoscope of dramatic

panoramas. The ancient rock of Uluru and

the steaming vents of New Zealand are two

of the region’s most famous features.

TOURISM

Australia and New Zealand are popular

tourist destinations all year round thanks

to the stunning scenery. Bustling harbour

cities, such as Sydney and Auckland, offer

buildings include the Sydney Opera House a mix of beach life and culture. Famous

and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

All Blacks rugby teamNew Zealand’s

There are about

27.6 million sheep in

New Zealand. Some are

sheared for their wool

The Three Sisters

is a distinctive rock

formation in the Blue

Mountains, Australia

Australia’s Sunshine

Coast is a popular stretch

of beaches and bays

Gushing springs of hot

water, called geysers,

erupt regularly on New

Zealand’s North Island

The huge sandstone rock of

Uluru is an ancient site

sacred to Aboriginal people

Sydney Opera House

Australia’s cricket team

MARSHALL

ISLANDS

NAURU

TUVALU

SOLOMON

ISLANDS

VANUATU

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

FIJI

TONGA

SAMOA

K I R I B A T I

French

Polynesia(to France)

Cook

Islands(to NZ)

Tokelau(to NZ)

NEW

ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

Niue

(to NZ)

KIRIBATI

Coral New Caledonia(to France)

Sea

Tasmania

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ug
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PA

CI

FI

C^

OC

EA

N

PACIF

IC^ OC

EAN

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