Oceania is a geographic region that includes Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Spanning the eastern and western hemispheres, Oceania has a land area of 8,525,989 square kilometers and a population of over 41 million.
When compared to continents, Oceania is the smallest in land area and the second smallest in population after Antarctica. Oceania has a diverse mix of economies from the highly developed and globally competitive financial markets of Australia and New Zealand, which are ranked 13th and 51st in the world, to the much less developed economies that belong to many of its island neighbors.
The region is one of the most linguistically diverse in the world as well, with more than 1,100 languages spoken. The climate of Oceania's islands is mostly tropical or subtropical, and the region is home to a rich variety of plant, animal, and sea life.
Australia, the largest landmass in the region, is highly urbanised, and has several well-known global cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Australia also has a high standard of living, with the world's tenth-highest per capita income.
New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, beaches, forests, and lakes, and its indigenous Maori culture. Both Australia and New Zealand have strong economies and are major players in the region.
The smaller islands and archipelagos of Oceania, many of which are known for their white-sand beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life, include nations such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
