Oceania on the world map in Russian. Geography of Oceania: characteristics of the region, climate, animals, plants, population and countries. Geological structure and relief of Oceania

If you look at the map The Pacific, then you can see the largest cluster of islands on our planet - Oceania. There are more than ten thousand islands - both large and small and very tiny. They are divided into Polynesia (in Greek it means "many islands"), Micronesia and Melanesia.

Many of Oceania's islands are coral atolls. However, most of them are just the tops of underwater volcanoes.

Easter Island in Oceania is known for its amazing moai statues with elongated heads and short bodies that reach twenty meters in height.

What is Oceania? wikipedia
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Oceania is the largest cluster of islands on Earth located in the central and western Pacific Ocean. Its islands are scattered from the subtropical latitudes of the Northern to the temperate latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere.

Oceania includes more than 7 thousand islands with a total area of ​​1.3 million km2. Most of islands grouped into archipelagos: New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji, Tuamotu, etc.

(see map).

Oceania became known to Europeans in the 16th century, from the time of the first circumnavigation F. Magellan.

A special chapter in the history of its discovery and research is made up of the voyages of J. Cook and the voyages of the Russian navigators V. M. Golovnin, F. P. Litke, S. O. Makarov, and others. Only in the 19th century. more than 40 Russian expeditions have visited the Pacific Ocean and collected valuable scientific information.

A great contribution to the study of the nature and population of Oceania was made by N.

Australia and Oceania map

N. Miklouho-Maclay. He not only studied the life and life of the peoples of the island New Guinea, but also made interesting descriptions shores of the tropical sea. Russian names on the map testify to the contribution of our compatriots to the study of Oceania: the Maclay Coast, the Russians Islands, the atolls of Suvorov, Kutuzov, Lisyansky, etc.

Features of nature. The islands of Oceania are very picturesque. The bizarre outlines of the green mountainous islands that have emerged on the horizon, the view of flat atolls overgrown with slender palm trees, with a coastal strip of white coral or black volcanic sand amaze the human imagination.

Most of the islands of Oceania are surrounded by coral reefs, which absorb the blows of formidable ocean waves and dampen their gigantic force.

Physico- geographical position, the size and origin of the islands are closely related to the structure of the Pacific Ocean floor.

Most of the islands in Oceania are volcanic and coral, some of them are the tops of underwater ridges. There are also mainland islands. The islands in the west of Oceania lie in the region of island arcs formed at the boundary of lithospheric plates (see.

The location in the vast body of water, the small size of the land and remoteness, the isolation of the islands from the mainland land and from each other had a significant impact on the nature of the islands and on the life of the peoples of Oceania.

Most of the islands are located in the equatorial, subequatorial and tropical zones.

Only New Zealand and the surrounding islands are subtropical and temperate. Oceania's climate is warm, even, mild, especially favorable for human life. Due to the location of the islands on either side of the equator, air temperatures are high, but winds from the ocean significantly mitigate the heat.

Temperature fluctuations over the seasons and during the day are insignificant. Changing air pressure over the vast ocean leads to frequent hurricanes.

The isolation of the islands has the strongest impact on their flora and fauna.

He is very peculiar. Life is poorest in small and relatively young coral islands, and on the mainland it is somewhat more diverse and richer. There are no predators or venomous snakes in the animal kingdom of the islands. The coastal waters of the islands and especially the atolls are rich in life.

Therefore, the islands in the ocean are like oases in the watery desert.

Along with common features, there are differences in the nature of the islands.

High mountainous mainland islands alternate with flat atolls, some lie on the equator and have a hot climate, others are located in the subtropical zone, where it is hot only in summer.

The natural complexes of coral islands are most closely associated with the ocean. They are inhabited by marine animals leading an amphibious lifestyle, such as crabs. Many atolls are nesting grounds for seabirds. On these islands grow coconut trees and shrubs adapted to strong winds saturated with moisture and sea salt.

Oceania Maps

A) Fiji B) Western Samoa C) New Zealand E) Tonga E) Papua New Guinea

2 equatorial people are different

A) yellow skin color and wide open eyes B) elongated skull and fair skin C) narrow nose, narrow eyes D) dark skin color, curly hair E) narrow nose and curly hair

3.The most deep ocean Of the earth

A) Atlantic B) South C) Indian E) Quiet E) Arctic

4.Frequent movements of the earth's crust at the bottom, great depths, many volcanoes and islands are features

A) Indian Ocean B) Arctic Ocean C) Pacific Ocean E) Southern Ocean E) Atlantic Ocean

"Homeland" of the Papuans

A) Tasmania Island B) Australia C) New Zealand E) New Guinea E) Madagascar Island

6 the navigator who made the first round the world voyage

A) A. Vespucci B) H. Columbus C) J. Cook E) F. Magellan E) M. Polo

7.Most deep place, The Mariana Trench, is in the ocean

A) Arctic B) South C) Atlantic E) Quiet E) Indian

8.Area of ​​the smallest mainland with islands (million km ²)

A) 7.7 B) 30.3 C) 9 E) 24.2 E) 17.8

9.Over 90% of Australia's residents are

A) Germans B) Dutch C) Aborigines E) Anglo-Australians E) Peoples of the Slavic group

10 Tasmania is part of

A) New Zealand B) Papua New Guinea C) Australian Union E) Fiji E) Indonesia

11.Australia is a major exporter

A) Bauxite, coal B) Gas, nickel C) Cars, equipment E) Woods, building materials E) Oil, tin

12.The main wheat regions in Australia are located on

A) South and north B) West and central part C) North and northeast E) Southwest and southeast E) Northeast and south

13 oceania is called

A) Science that studies the oceans B) The totality of the oceans C) Artificial fish farming E) Islands and archipelagos of the Pacific Ocean E) All coastal zones

14.New South wales is in

A) Australia B) Argentina C) Canada E) Great Britain E) Brazil

15) The world's largest sheep breeding area is considered

A) Great Plain of China B) Great Plains of the United States C) Mississippi Lowland E) Deserts and semi-deserts of Australia E) Patagonia

16 the world's largest bauxite mining area is located in

A) Australia B) France C) Argentina E) Saudi Arabia E) Japan

17 Australia's east coast reopened

A) Vespucci B) Columbus C) N.N. Miklukho-Maclay D) Cook E) Livingstone

18. The leading place in coal reserves is occupied by

A) Australia and the USA B) Kazakhstan and Ukraine C) China and Russia E) Great Britain and Germany E) South Africa and Nigeria

19.Capital of Australia

A) Sydney B) Melbourne C) Canberra E) Bronen Hill E) Adelaide

A) 4228 B) 2528 C) 2228 E) 3778 E) 3528

21. The first place in the number of sheep is occupied by

A) New Zealand B) South Africa C) Australia E) China E) India

22. All points of mainland Australia have latitude

A) Western B) Eastern C) Northern D) Southern E) Northern and southern

23. Australia has the same natural areas as

A) Central Africa B) North Africa C) South Africa E) West African coast E) East African coast

24. The indigenous inhabitants of Oceania use this plant to build houses and boats, and eat the fruits.

A) bottle tree B) coconut tree C) eucalyptus E) baobab E) shrubs

25. The continent, on which there is no active volcanoes and modern glaciation

A) America A) Australia C) Africa E) Eurasia E) Asia

26. Permanent residence of the Papuans

A) New Guinea B) Australia C) New Zealand E) Madagascar Island E) Tasmania Island

27. State of Oceania, which is called "three times open"

A) Australia B) New Zealand C) New Guinea E) Polynesia E) Philippines

28 Part of Australia which is a mountainous country

29.Subequatorial part of Australia

A) northern B) southern C) eastern E) western E) central

30. The very large lake Australia

A) Murray B) Pennong C) Leonora D) Air E) There are no lakes in Australia

Homenbsp> nbsp Wiki tutorialnbsp> nbsp Geography> nbsp7 classnbsp> nbspOceania and its geographic location: Oceania's climate and population

Geographical position

Oceania is located between the temperate latitudes of the southern hemisphere and the subtropical latitudes of the northern hemisphere.

Oceania is often considered a geography along with Australia.

There is even geographic name- Australia and Oceania.

The total area of ​​the ocean is 1.24 million km. 2. The population is 10.6 million km.

Map - Oceania (Oceania)

Oceania is divided into three geographic regions - Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. Oceania is washed by many seas - sea coral, Solomon, New Guinea, Tasmanian Sea, Koro and Fiji, belonging to the Pacific Ocean basin and the Arafura Sea (Indian Ocean).

Oceania climate

Most oceans have a tropical climate.

Most islands in Oceania experience heavy rainfall. On the islands closer to the tropical belt, the average annual temperature is 23 ° C, on the islands around the equator - 27 ° C.

The oceanic climate is influenced by the La Niña and El Niño streams. Most of the islands of Oceania are prone to negative effects active volcanoes, tsunami and typhon.

The region is characterized by strong change weather conditions- droughts are replaced by rainstorms.

Oceans population

The majority of the population on the islands of Oceania is represented by natives, including Micronesians, Polynesians, Papuans.

Polynesians are mixed racial types - they look at the characteristics of Europeans and Mongoloids.

The largest peoples of Polynesia are Hawaiians, Maori, Tongans and Tahiti. Each nation has its own language, which is almost a complete lack of unanimous sounds.

The racial species of melanesan are australolides.

The languages ​​of the Melanesian tribes are very widespread - it is a common occurrence that the inhabitants of neighboring villages cannot understand each other. Papuans live in parts of Indonesia and New Guinea.

All Papuan languages ​​are very similar.

They are based in English, so people from outlying areas know English well.

economy

The vast majority of countries in Oceania have very weak economies. The reasons for this are factors such as the distance of the islands from the developed superpowers, limited resources and a lack of personnel.

Many countries are completely dependent on Australia and the United States of America. The backbone of the economy is Agriculture.

The most common crops include coconut, small fruits and bananas. Some countries have a fishing fleet.

Industry is developing in only three regions - New Guinea, New Caledonia and New Zealand.

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Oceania is a part of the world, which is a separate geopolitical region, which consists of many islands and atolls located in the western and central Pacific Ocean.
Geographical position

The islands of Oceania are located between the temperate latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere and the subtropical latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Often in geography, Oceania is considered together with Australia.

There is even a geographic name for Australia and Oceania.

Oceania history

The total area of ​​Oceania is 1.24 million km2. The population is 10.6 million.

Oceania is divided into three geographic regions Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia.

Oceania is washed by numerous seas: the Coral, Solomon, New Guinea, Tasman Seas, the Koro and Fiji Seas, which belong to the Pacific Ocean basin, and the Arafura Sea (Indian Ocean).
Oceania climate

Most of Oceania has a tropical climate. Most of the islands of Oceania are characterized by heavy rainfall.

On the islands that are located closer to the tropical belt, the average annual temperature is 23 C, on the islands near the equator, 27 C.

Oceania's climate is also influenced by currents such as La Niña and El Niño. Most of the islands in Oceania are negatively affected by active volcanoes, tsunamis and typhoons.

This region is characterized by a sharp change in weather conditions, droughts are replaced by torrential rains ...

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Oceania is part of the world; a geographic, often geopolitical region of the world, consisting predominantly of hundreds of small islands and atolls in the central and western Pacific.

Geographical position

Oceania is the world's largest cluster of islands located in the western and central Pacific Ocean, between the subtropical latitudes of the Northern and temperate Southern hemispheres. When dividing the entire land mass into parts of the world, Oceania is usually united with Australia into a single part of the world, Australia and Oceania, although sometimes it stands out as an independent part of the world.

The total area of ​​the islands is 1.26 million km² (together with Australia 8.52 million km²), the population is about 10.7 million people. (together with Australia 32.6 million people). Oceania is geographically subdivided into Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia; sometimes New Zealand is singled out.

The islands of Oceania are washed by numerous Pacific seas (Coral Sea, Tasman Sea, Fiji Sea, Koro Sea, Solomon Sea, New Guinea Sea, Philippine Sea) and Indian oceans(Arafura Sea).

Countries and dependent territories

Geology

Geologically, Oceania is not a continent: only Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, New Guinea and Tasmania are of continental origin, forming on the site of the hypothetical mainland of Gondwana. In the past, these islands were a single land, but as a result of the rise in the level of the World Ocean, a significant part of the surface was under water. The relief of these islands is mountainous and highly dissected. For instance, highest mountains Oceania, including Mount Jaya (5029 m), are located on the island of New Guinea.

Most of the islands of Oceania are of volcanic origin: some of them are the tops of large underwater volcanoes, some of which still exhibit high volcanic activity(For example, Hawaiian Islands).

Other islands are of coral origin, being atolls, which were formed as a result of the formation of coral structures around submerged volcanoes (for example, Gilbert Islands, Tuamotu). Distinctive feature such islands are large lagoons, which are surrounded by numerous islets, or motu, the average height of which does not exceed three meters. Oceania has an atoll with the largest lagoon in the world - Kwajalein in the archipelago Marshall Islands... Despite the fact that its land area is only 16.32 km² (or 6.3 sq. Miles), the area of ​​the lagoon is 2,174 km² (or 839.3 sq. Miles). The largest atoll in terms of land area is Christmas Island (or Kiritimati) in the Line archipelago (or Central Polynesian Sporades) - 322 km². However, among the atolls, there is also a special type - an uplifted (or uplifted) atoll, which is a limestone plateau up to 50-60 m above sea level. This type of island has no lagoon or traces of its past existence. Examples of such atolls are Nauru, Niue, Banaba.

The relief and geological structure of the Pacific Ocean floor in the Oceania region has a complex structure. From the Alaska Peninsula (part of North America) to New Zealand is located a large number of depressions of the marginal seas, deep-sea oceanic trenches (Tonga, Kermadec, Bougainville), which form a geosynclinal belt characterized by active volcanism, seismicity and contrasting relief.

On most of the islands of Oceania, there are no minerals, only the largest of them are being developed: nickel (New Caledonia), oil and gas (New Guinea island, New Zealand), copper (Bougainville island in Papua New Guinea), gold (New Guinea , Fiji), phosphates (on most islands, deposits are almost or have already been developed, for example, in Nauru, on the islands of Banaba, Makatea). In the past, many islands in the region have been actively developing guano, a decomposed dung of seabirds that has been used as a nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. On the ocean floor of the exclusive economic zone of a number of countries, there are large accumulations of iron-manganese nodules, as well as cobalt, but at the moment no development is being carried out due to economic inexpediency.

Oceania climate

Oceania is located within several climatic zones: equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical, temperate. Most of the islands have a tropical climate. The subequatorial climate prevails on the islands near Australia and Asia, as well as to the east of the 180th meridian in the equatorial zone, the equatorial climate to the west of the 180th meridian, the subtropical climate north and south of the tropics, and temperate in most of the South Island in New Zealand.

The climate of the islands of Oceania is determined mainly by the trade winds, so most of them receive heavy rainfall. Average annual precipitation ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 mm, although on some islands (in particular due to the relief and on the leeward side), the climate may be drier or more humid. Oceania has one of the wettest places on the planet: on the eastern slope of Mount Waialeale on the island of Kauai, up to 11,430 mm of precipitation falls annually (the absolute maximum was reached in 1982: then 16,916 mm fell). Near the tropics, the average temperature is about 23 ° C, at the equator - 27 ° C, with little difference between the hottest and coldest months.

To the climate of the islands of Oceania big influence also have such anomalies as the El Niño and La Niña currents. During El Niño, the intertropical convergence zone moves north towards the equator; during La Niño, it moves south towards the equator. In the latter case, severe drought is observed on the islands, in the first case, heavy rains.

Most of the islands of Oceania are subject to the destructive effects of natural disasters: volcanic eruptions (Hawaiian Islands, New Hebrides), earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones accompanied by typhoons and heavy rains, and droughts. Many of them lead to significant material and human losses. For example, the July 1999 tsunami in Papua New Guinea killed 2,200 people.

On the South Island there are glaciers in New Zealand and New Guinea, high in the mountains, but due to the process of global warming, their area is gradually decreasing.

Soils and hydrology

Due to the different climatic conditions Oceania's soils are very diverse. The soils of the atolls are highly alkaline, of coral origin, and very poor. They are usually porous, which makes them very poor at retaining moisture, and also contain very little organic and mineral substances with the exception of calcium, sodium and magnesium. The soils of volcanic islands are generally of volcanic origin and are highly fertile. On large mountainous islands, there are red-yellow, mountain lateritic, mountain-meadow, yellow-brown soils, yellow soils, and red soils.

Large rivers are found only on the South and North Islands of New Zealand, as well as on the island of New Guinea, on which the largest rivers of Oceania, Sepik (1126 km) and Fly (1050 km) are located. The largest river in New Zealand is the Waikato (425 km). Rivers are primarily fed by rainwater, although in New Zealand and New Guinea rivers are also fed by melting glaciers and snow. On the atolls, rivers are completely absent due to the high porosity of the soils. Instead, rainwater seeps through the soil to form a lens of slightly brackish water that can be reached by digging a well. For more large islands(usually of volcanic origin) there are small streams of water that flow towards the ocean.

The largest number of lakes, including thermal ones, is located in New Zealand, where there are also geysers. On other islands in Oceania, lakes are rare.

Flora and fauna

Oceania is part of the Paleotropic Vegetation Region, with three subregions distinguished: Melanesian-Micronesian, Hawaiian, and New Zealand. Among the most widespread plants in Oceania are the coconut palm and breadfruit, which play an important role in life. local residents: fruits are used for food, wood is a source of heat, building material, copra is produced from the oily endosperm of coconut trees, which forms the basis of exports of the countries of this region. A large number of epiphytes (ferns, orchids) also grow on the islands. The largest number of endemics (both representatives of flora and fauna) is recorded in New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands, while the number of species, genera and families of plants decreases from west to east.

The fauna of Oceania belongs to the Polynesian faunal region with a subregion of the Hawaiian Islands. The fauna of New Zealand stands out as an independent region, New Guinea - in the Papuan subregion of the Australian region. New Zealand and New Guinea are the most diverse. On the small islands of Oceania, primarily the atolls, mammals are almost never found: many of them are inhabited only by the small rat. But the local avifauna is very rich. Most of the atolls are home to bird colonies where seabirds nest. Among the representatives of the fauna of New Zealand, the most famous are the kiwi birds, which have become the national symbol of the country. Other endemics of the country are kea (lat.Nestor notabilis, or nestor), kakapo (lat.Strigops habroptilus, or owl parrot), takahe (lat.Notoronis hochstelteri, or wingless sultanka). All the islands of Oceania are home to a large number of lizards, snakes and insects.

During the European colonization of the islands, alien species of plants and animals were introduced to many of them, which negatively affected the local flora and fauna.

The region has a large number of protected areas, many of which occupy significant areas. For example, the Phoenix Islands in the Republic of Kiribati have been the world's largest marine reserve since January 28, 2008 (with an area of ​​410,500 km²).

Population

The indigenous inhabitants of Oceania are Polynesians, Micronesians, Melanesians and Papuans.

Polynesians living in the countries of Polynesia are of a mixed racial type: in their appearance, the features of the Caucasian and Mongoloid races are visible, and to a lesser extent - the Australoid. The largest peoples of Polynesia are Hawaiians, Samoans, Tahitians, Tongans, Maori, Marquesas, Rapanui and others. Native languages ​​belong to the Polynesian subgroup of the Austronesian family of languages: Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Tongan, Maori, Marquis, Rapanui, and others. The characteristic features of Polynesian languages ​​are a small number of sounds, especially consonants, an abundance of vowels.

Micronesians live in the countries of Micronesia. The largest peoples are the Carolinians, Kiribati, Marshalls, Nauru, Chamorro and others. Native languages ​​belong to the Micronesian group of the Austronesian family of languages: Kiribati, Caroline, Kusai, Marshall, Nauruan and others. The Palau and Chamorro languages ​​are classified as West Malay-Polynesian, and Yapi forms a separate branch in the Oceanian languages, which also includes the Micronesian languages.

Melanesians live in the countries of Melanesia. Racial type - Australoid, with a small Mongoloid element, close to the Papuans of New Guinea. Melanesians speak Melanesian languages, however, their languages, unlike Micronesian and Polynesian, do not form a separate genetic grouping, and linguistic fragmentation is very large, so that people from neighboring villages may not understand each other.

Papuans inhabit the island of New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. By anthropological type they are close to the Melanesians, but differ from them in language. Not all Papuan languages ​​are related to each other. The national language of the Papuans in Papua New Guinea is the English-based Tok Pisin Creole. According to various sources, the peoples and languages ​​of the Papuans number from 300 to 800. At the same time, there are difficulties in establishing the difference between a separate language and a dialect.

Many languages ​​of Oceania are on the verge of extinction. V Everyday life they are increasingly being replaced by English and French.

The situation of the indigenous population in the countries of Oceania is different. If, for example, in the Hawaiian Islands their share is very low, then in New Zealand the Maori make up up to 15% of the country's population. Share of Polynesians in the North Mariana Islands located in Micronesia is about 21.3%. In Papua New Guinea, the majority of the population is made up of numerous Papuan peoples, although there is also a high proportion of immigrants from other islands in the region.

In New Zealand and Hawaii, the majority of the population is Europeans, with a high proportion also in New Caledonia (34%) and French Polynesia (12%). On the Fiji Islands, 38.2% of the population is represented by Indo-Fijians, the descendants of Indian contract workers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century.

Recently, in the countries of Oceania, the proportion of immigrants from Asia (mainly Chinese and Filipinos) has been increasing. For example, in the Northern Mariana Islands, the Filipinos account for 26.2% and the Chinese for 22.1%.

The population of Oceania is mainly Christian, adhering to either the Protestant or Catholic branch.

Oceania history

Pre-colonial period

The island of New Guinea and the nearby islands of Melanesia were believed to have been inhabited by immigrants from South-East Asia, sailed by canoe about 30-50 thousand years ago. Most of Micronesia and Polynesia were inhabited about 2-4 thousand years ago. The colonization process ended around 1200 AD. By the beginning of the 16th century, the peoples of Oceania were going through a period of decomposition of the primitive communal system and the formation of an early class society. Crafts, agriculture, and navigation were actively developing.

Colonial period

Ships of the English traveler James Cook and canoes of the natives in Matawai Bay on the island of Tahiti (French Polynesia), painter William Hodges, 1776

In the period from the 16th to the 18th century, the period of the study of Oceania by Europeans continued, who gradually began to populate the islands. However, the process of European colonization proceeded very slowly, since the region did not arouse much interest among foreigners due to the lack of natural resources, and negatively affected the local population: many diseases were introduced that had never been in Oceania, and this led to epidemics, in as a result of which a significant part of the natives perished. At the same time, there was a Christianization of the inhabitants, who worshiped numerous deities and spirits.

In the 18th-19th centuries, the islands of Oceania were divided between the colonial powers, primarily the British Empire, Spain and France (later the United States and the German Empire joined them). Of particular interest among the Europeans was the possibility of creating plantations on the islands (coconut trees for the production of copra, sugarcane), as well as the slave trade (the so-called "hunt for blackbirds", which involved the recruitment of islanders to work on the plantations).

In 1907, New Zealand became a dominion, but it did not formally become a fully independent state until 1947. After the First World War, the first political organizations began to emerge ("May" in Western Samoa, "Fijian Youth" in Fiji), fighting for the independence of the colonies. During World War II, Oceania was one of the theaters of military operations, where many battles took place (mainly between Japanese and American troops).

After the war, the region experienced some improvements in the economy, but in most colonies it was one-sided (the predominance of the plantation economy and the almost complete absence of industry). The process of decolonization began in the 1960s: Western Samoa gained independence in 1962, Western Irian in 1963, and Nauru in 1968. Subsequently, most of the colonies became independent.

Postcolonial period

After gaining independence, most of the countries of Oceania still have serious economic, political and social problems, which they are trying to solve thanks to the help of the world community (including the UN) and through regional cooperation. Despite the process of decolonization in the 20th century, some of the region's islands still remain dependent to one degree or another: New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna from France, Pitcairn Islands from Great Britain, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau from New Zealand, a number of islands (all outer minor islands except Navassa Island) from the United States.

Economy

Most of the countries of Oceania have a very weak economy, which is due to several reasons: limited natural resources, remoteness from world markets for products, a shortage of highly qualified specialists. Many states depend on financial assistance from other countries.

The economy of most countries in Oceania is based on agriculture (copra and palm oil production) and fishing. Among the most important crops are coconut, bananas, breadfruit. Possessing huge exclusive economic zones and not having a large fishing fleet, the governments of the Oceania countries issue fishing licenses to vessels of other states (mainly Japan, Taiwan, the USA), which significantly replenishes the state budget. The mining industry is most developed in Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.

A significant part of the population is employed in the public sector. Recently, measures have been taken to develop the tourism sector of the economy.

The culture

The art of Oceania has developed a distinctive style that makes the local culture unique.

In the visual arts of the Polynesians, the main place belongs to woodcarving and sculpture. Among the Maori, carving reached a high level, they decorated boats, details of houses, carved statues of gods and ancestors, such a statue stands in every village. The main motive of the ornament is a spiral. Moai stone statues were created on Easter Island and the Marquesas Islands. Of the crafts, the most important was the construction of boats, since they made it possible to fish and travel long distances (in this regard, astronomy developed among the Polynesians). Among the Polynesians, tattooing was widespread. Tapa, which was made from the bark of trees of the mulberry family, served as clothing. In Polynesia, myths, legends, fairy tales, singing and dancing were developed. Writing was probably only on Easter Island (rongo-rongo), on other islands folklore was transmitted orally.

Singing and dancing are popular among the Micronesian arts. Each tribe has its own myths. In the life of the islanders, the main place was occupied by ships - boats. There were boats of different types: dibenil - sailing, valab - large rowing boat. Megaliths are found on the Yap Islands. Of particular interest is Nan Madol, known as the "Micronesian Venice". This whole city on the water, in the lagoon on the island of Ponape. Stone structures have been built on artificial islands.

Among the Melanesians, woodcarving reached a special heyday. Unlike the Polynesians, the Melanesians were not so attached to the sea, they were more like inhabitants of the land. Basic musical instrument- drum, or tomtam. Folklore, songs, dances, myths are widespread among the Papuans. The songs and dances are very simple. The chant is called moon, and the melody varies very little. The cult of ancestors and skulls is of great importance. The Papuans make corvars - images of ancestors. Woodcarving is well developed.

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The island groups and archipelagos of the western and central parts are united into a geographical area under the general name Oceania. Historically, all the islands were divided into four ethnographic and geographical areas: (Tonga, Samoa, Cook, Hawaiian, Easter Island, etc.), Melanesia (island, Bismarck archipelago, islands, etc.), (, Mariana Islands, etc.), New. Most of the islands of Oceania are concentrated in between 10 ° S. sh. and 20 ° N. sh.

A great contribution to the study of the nature and population of Oceania was made by the Russian scientist N.N.Miklouho-Maclay. He studied the life of the peoples of the island of New Guinea, left descriptions of the nature of the coastal territories. NN Miklouho-Maclay's scientific research was associated with his conviction of the need to protect backward and oppressed peoples. In the very late XIX v. on the Hawaiian Islands lived and worked our fellow countryman, a native of the Mogilev province NK Sudzilovsky.

Geological structure and relief of Oceania

Remember how mainland, volcanic and coral islands were formed. The largest mainland islands in Oceania are New Guinea and New Zealand. Volcanism is a characteristic process in this region. The Hawaiian Islands are home to the Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active active volcanoes on Earth. Volcanic islands form giant island arcs. They have an elongated configuration. Oceania abounds in coral islands - reefs and atolls, which form entire archipelagos (Gilbert Islands, Tuamotu).

Oceania climate

The islands of Oceania are found mainly in the equatorial, subequatorial and. Only Northern part The Hawaiian archipelago enters the subtropics, while the southern part of New Zealand is located in the temperate zone. In Oceania, there are two climatic regions: trade wind and monsoon. The climate of Oceania is characterized by small temperature fluctuations: from + 30 ° С during the day to +21 ° С at night. Winds from the ocean soften the heat. It is never too cold or too hot here, so the climate of Oceania is considered the most comfortable on the globe. The main directions are from east to west. They promote the dispersal of organisms.

Oceania is dominated by sea air masses. In areas where monsoon circulation prevails, precipitation falls between 3000-4000 mm per year. The Hawaiian Islands, on the windward slopes, receive over 12,090 mm of precipitation per year. This is one of the wettest places on Earth. The distribution of precipitation is associated with the presence of mountains. On the island of Hawaii, there are areas where less than 200 mm a year falls per year.

Among the very dangerous and destructive natural phenomena there are tropical hurricanes. They destroy plantations, destroy dwellings, and sometimes the emerging waves wash away all living things. The local population is wary of settling on the Cook Islands and Tuamotu, where hurricanes are often observed. The subtropical and temperate climate is typical for New Zealand, where in winter there are frosts down to -13 ° C, and there is snow in the mountains.

Flora and fauna of Oceania

The isolation of the island's landmass has the greatest impact on it and. The diversity of the world of plants and animals depends on the age of the islands, their size and distance from the mainland. It is poorest on the coral islands, where the deficit is fresh water and the soil is poor. Only a few dozen plant species grow on them. On the islands of Oceania, mainly in Melanesia, the most ancient plants have been preserved, for example, tree ferns, reaching 8-15 m in height. Rich and peculiar vegetable world New Zealand (pines, palms).

Vegetable and animal world Oceania is distinguished by two characteristics. Rare species that are not found on the mainland have survived here. At the same time, on many islands, entire groups of organisms that are common on the mainland are almost completely absent. Many of the flowering plant species found on land are absent, but spore plants are widespread. The islands have preserved ancient plants that grew on the mainland in the geological past (podocarpus, agathis (kauri), etc.).

The fauna of the islands is poor. There are no mammals on many islands, with the exception of rats, mice, goats and cats brought here. There are many seabirds: petrels, albatrosses, gulls, which nest here and hatch chicks. Weed chicken, a representative of the Australian fauna, is found on the island of New Guinea.

The oldest flightless bird kiwi has survived in New Zealand, a very cautious Maori shepherd that lives in dense grasses. The kiwi bird is featured on the coat of arms of New Zealand. In New and New Zealand, there are rare species of parrots - the kakapo, or owl, and the kea parrot with a strong sharp and curved beak. The primordial tuatara survived on one of the islets of New Zealand.

On some islands only 5-7 species of seabirds nest. At the same time, the number of bird species in New Guinea is more than 100, the fauna of insects is rich (more than 3700 species).

Minerals of Oceania

Mineral resources on the islands of Oceania are extremely unevenly distributed. The economy is conducted where there are valuable minerals. So, in New Caledonia there are up to 25% of the world reserves of nickel, on Christmas Island there are reserves of phosphates. Among the states of Oceania, Papua New Guinea stands out, where there are gold, silver, and explored reserves.

Oceania's economic activities

The population of Oceania is about 10 million people. There are several hypotheses about the ways of settling Oceania. Most scientists believe that Oceania was inhabited by people from Southeast Asia many millennia ago. According to the hypothesis of Thor, Heyerdahl was settled by immigrants from America.

The inhabitants of Oceania were skilled sailors and shipbuilders. They sailed thousands of kilometers from their native islands. The modern inhabitants of Oceania are engaged in growing coconut trees, bananas, cocoa, coffee. The traditional trade is fishing. The nature and life of the people of Oceania are largely subject to natural catastrophic disasters (tropical hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanism).

On many islands of volcanic and continental origin, non-ferrous metal ores, coal are mined, and phosphorite deposits are being developed. Every year the states of Oceania become objects international tourism... The nature of the islands changes under the influence of human economic activity. On the site of the destroyed natural plantations, where sugar cane, pineapples, bananas, tea, coffee, rubber and other crops are cultivated.

Oceania Political Map

Modern political map Oceania was formed as a result of a long struggle between the colonial powers for the division of oceanic archipelagos among themselves. Until the early 60s. XX century in Oceania there was one independent state - New Zealand. By the end of the twentieth century. more than 10 independent states were formed in Oceania. A number of islands and archipelagos remain politically and economically dependent on the world. Most of the Hawaiian Islands archipelago has been the 50th US state since 1959.

The formation of the nature of Oceania is influenced by the Pacific Ocean, its remoteness from other continents, and its location in tropical latitudes. The basis of the economy of most countries in Oceania is agriculture. Mining operations are carried out on many islands.

Oceania is a part of the world, which is a separate geopolitical region, which consists of many islands and atolls located in the western and central Pacific Ocean.

Geographical position

The islands of Oceania are located between the temperate latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere and the subtropical latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Often in geography, Oceania is considered together with Australia.

There is even a geographical name - Australia and Oceania. The total area of ​​Oceania is 1.24 million km2. The population is 10.6 million people.

Oceania is divided into three geographic regions - Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. Oceania is washed by numerous seas - the Coral, Solomon, New Guinea, Tasman seas, the Koro and Fiji seas, which belong to the Pacific Ocean basin, and the Arafura Sea (Indian Ocean).

Oceania climate

Most of Oceania has a tropical climate. Most of the islands of Oceania are characterized by heavy rainfall. On the islands that are located closer to the tropical belt, the average annual temperature is 23 ° C, on the islands near the equator - 27 ° C.

Oceania's climate is also influenced by currents such as La Niña and El Niño. Most of the islands in Oceania are negatively affected by active volcanoes, tsunamis and typhoons.

This region is characterized by a sharp change in weather conditions - droughts are replaced by torrential rains.

Oceania population

Most of the population of the islands of Oceania is represented by indigenous people, including Micronesians, Polynesians, Papuans. Polynesians are mixed racial types - they show the features of Caucasians and Mongoloids.

The largest Polynesian peoples are Hawaiians, Maori, Tongans, Tahitians. Each nationality has its own language, which is represented by an almost complete absence of consonants.

The racial type of the Melanesians is the Australoids. The linguistic fragmentation of the Melanesian tribes is very large - a frequent occurrence is that the inhabitants of neighboring villages cannot understand each other. Papuans inhabit some regions of Indonesia and New Guinea.

All Papuan languages ​​are very similar to each other. They are based on English language, therefore, often, even residents of remote regions speak English perfectly.

Economy

The vast majority of countries in Oceania have a very weak economy. The reasons for this are factors such as the remoteness of the islands from developed superpowers, limited natural resources, shortage of personnel.

Many countries are in complete economic dependence on Australia and the United States. The economy is based on agriculture. Among the most common crops are coconut palms, breadfruit, bananas. Some states have fishing fleets.