Unique Facts-Oceania

Unique Facts- Oceania

Geography

Australia is the only country that is considered a country.1

Australia is the smallest continent but the world’s seventh largest country.1

The name Australia comes from the Latin term australis, meaning southern.2

The vast, sparsely populated desert of Australia is known as the Outback.3

Ayers Rock, on Australia, is the largest rock in the world and considered a sacred site by the native Aborigines.4

The Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the Earth’s crust, is to be found in the waters of Oceania. 5

History

Although the Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese all explore the area, the British laid claim to the continent of Australia. 6

The mutineers of the HMS Bounty settled on Pitcairn Island, deep into the Pacific. 7

The Polynesian peoples sailed most of the area in simple wooden ships centuries before Europeans. 8

The First European to cross the area was Ferdinand Magellan, during his circumnavigation of the globe. 9

The Pacific theater of World War II took place on many of the islands of Oceania.

The mysterious Easter Island is often included in Oceania.10

Ecology

Australia is home to the eucalyptus leaf eating Koala Bear.11

Kangaroos, along with many other animals, are unique to Australia.12

People of New Zealand are called by the nickname Kiwi’s after the native flightless bird of the island. 13

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, and called the largest living organism on the planet. 14

The Thylacine, commonly called the Tasmanian Tiger, was supposedly driven to extinction by the early 20 th Century, but sightings continue.15

Culture

The Australian Aboriginal tribes are the native inhabitants of Australia.16

The Australian city of Sydney is home to the famous shell shaped Sydney Opera House.17

The epic saga “The Lord of the Rings”, as well as several television shows, were filmed in New Zealand, due to its lush and unique landscape.18