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Countries in Australia and Oceania

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Oceania is a region encompassing the islands of the Pacific Ocean, including Australia and various smaller island nations. The countries in Oceania are Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and several dependent territories and territories associated with other countries.

Australia

Country Overview:

Australia, the largest country in Oceania, occupies the mainland of the Australian continent, Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It covers an area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers. Known for its vast landscapes, including the Outback, Great Barrier Reef, and diverse wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas, Australia is famous for its outdoor lifestyle, vibrant cities, and multicultural society.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: January 1, 1901 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 25.8 million
  • Capital City: Canberra
  • Language: English
  • Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Time Zone: Various time zones, including Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10) and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST, UTC+8)
  • Country Area Code: +61
  • Top-Level Domain: .au
  • ISO Country Codes: AU, AUS

Fiji

Country Overview:

Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, covering an area of approximately 18,274 square kilometers. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush rainforests. Fiji is also known for its welcoming culture, traditional Fijian ceremonies, and world-class diving and snorkeling spots.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: October 10, 1970 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 896,000
  • Capital City: Suva
  • Language: English, Fijian, Hindi
  • Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD)
  • Time Zone: Fiji Time (FJT, UTC+12)
  • Country Area Code: +679
  • Top-Level Domain: .fj
  • ISO Country Codes: FJ, FJI

Kiribati

Country Overview:

Kiribati is a Pacific island nation consisting of 33 atolls and reef islands, with a total land area of approximately 811 square kilometers. It is known for its stunning coral atolls, pristine beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. Kiribati is also famous for being one of the first places to celebrate New Year’s Day due to its location near the International Date Line.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: July 12, 1979 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 120,000
  • Capital City: South Tarawa
  • Language: English, Gilbertese (Kiribati)
  • Currency: Kiribati Dollar (KID), Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Time Zone: Gilbert Islands Time (GILT, UTC+12)
  • Country Area Code: +686
  • Top-Level Domain: .ki
  • ISO Country Codes: KI, KIR

Marshall Islands

Country Overview:

The Marshall Islands is a Micronesian island country located in the central Pacific Ocean, comprising 29 atolls and five isolated islands. It covers an area of approximately 181 square kilometers. Renowned for its stunning coral reefs, pristine beaches, and World War II historical sites, the Marshall Islands is also known for its unique culture and traditional outrigger canoe voyaging.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: October 21, 1986 (from the United States)
  • Population: Approximately 58,000
  • Capital City: Majuro
  • Language: Marshallese, English
  • Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
  • Time Zone: Marshall Islands Time (MHT, UTC+12)
  • Country Area Code: +692
  • Top-Level Domain: .mh
  • ISO Country Codes: MH, MHL

Micronesia

Country Overview:

The Federated States of Micronesia is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising four states spread across more than 600 islands. It covers an area of approximately 702 square kilometers. Known for its pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and traditional island culture, Micronesia is a paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: November 3, 1986 (from the United States-administered UN Trust Territory)
  • Population: Approximately 115,000
  • Capital City: Palikir
  • Language: English
  • Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
  • Time Zone: Chuuk Time (CHUT, UTC+10), Pohnpei Time (PONT, UTC+11)
  • Country Area Code: +691
  • Top-Level Domain: .fm
  • ISO Country Codes: FM, FSM

Nauru

Country Overview:

Nauru is a small island country located in the central Pacific Ocean, covering an area of approximately 21 square kilometers. Known as the world’s smallest republic, Nauru is famous for its phosphate mining industry, which has significantly shaped its economy and landscape. Despite its small size, Nauru boasts beautiful coral reefs and a rich cultural heritage.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: January 31, 1968 (from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 10,000
  • Capital City: Yaren
  • Language: Nauruan, English
  • Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Time Zone: Nauru Time (NRT, UTC+12)
  • Country Area Code: +674
  • Top-Level Domain: .nr
  • ISO Country Codes: NR, NRU

New Zealand

Country Overview:

New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, along with numerous smaller islands. It covers an area of approximately 268,021 square kilometers. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, beaches, and fjords, New Zealand is also known for its indigenous Maori culture, adventure sports, and thriving film industry.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: N/A (Self-governing colony since 1856)
  • Population: Approximately 5.1 million
  • Capital City: Wellington
  • Language: English, Maori
  • Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
  • Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time (NZST, UTC+12), Chatham Standard Time (CHAST, UTC+12:45)
  • Country Area Code: +64
  • Top-Level Domain: .nz
  • ISO Country Codes: NZ, NZL

Palau

Country Overview:

Palau is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising approximately 340 islands, with a total land area of about 459 square kilometers. Renowned for its pristine coral reefs, turquoise waters, and World War II historical sites, Palau is a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism. It is also known for its unique traditional culture and strong commitment to environmental conservation.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: October 1, 1994 (from the United Nations Trust Territory administered by the United States)
  • Population: Approximately 18,000
  • Capital City: Ngerulmud
  • Language: Palauan, English
  • Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
  • Time Zone: Palau Time (PWT, UTC+9)
  • Country Area Code: +680
  • Top-Level Domain: .pw
  • ISO Country Codes: PW, PLW

Papua New Guinea

Country Overview:

Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, as well as numerous offshore islands, covering an area of approximately 462,840 square kilometers. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including tropical rainforests, mountains, and coastal plains. Papua New Guinea is also rich in cultural diversity, with over 800 indigenous languages spoken, and is famous for its traditional tribal cultures and vibrant festivals.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: September 16, 1975 (from Australia)
  • Population: Approximately 9.1 million
  • Capital City: Port Moresby
  • Language: English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu
  • Currency: Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK)
  • Time Zone: Papua New Guinea Time (PGT, UTC+10)
  • Country Area Code: +675
  • Top-Level Domain: .pg
  • ISO Country Codes: PG, PNG

Samoa

Country Overview:

Samoa, officially known as the Independent State of Samoa, is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean, covering an area of approximately 2,842 square kilometers. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Samoa is also famous for its traditional Polynesian culture, which is reflected in its music, dance, and art forms.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: January 1, 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN Trusteeship)
  • Population: Approximately 200,000
  • Capital City: Apia
  • Language: Samoan, English
  • Currency: Samoan Tala (WST)
  • Time Zone: Samoa Standard Time (SST, UTC+13)
  • Country Area Code: +685
  • Top-Level Domain: .ws
  • ISO Country Codes: WS, WSM

Solomon Islands

Country Overview:

The Solomon Islands is an archipelago nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising nearly 1,000 islands, with a total land area of approximately 28,400 square kilometers. Known for its pristine coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and diverse marine life, the Solomon Islands offer unparalleled opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism. The country is also rich in cultural heritage, with traditional Melanesian customs still widely practiced.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: July 7, 1978 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 700,000
  • Capital City: Honiara
  • Language: English, Solomon Islands Pijin
  • Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
  • Time Zone: Solomon Islands Time (SBT, UTC+11)
  • Country Area Code: +677
  • Top-Level Domain: .sb
  • ISO Country Codes: SB, SLB

Tonga

Country Overview:

Tonga, officially known as the Kingdom of Tonga, is an archipelago nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising 169 islands, with a total land area of approximately 747 square kilometers. Renowned for its stunning coral reefs, pristine beaches, and traditional Polynesian culture, Tonga is often referred to as the “Friendly Islands.” The kingdom is famous for its unique cultural practices, including traditional Tongan dance, music, and ceremonies.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: June 4, 1970 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 100,000
  • Capital City: Nuku’alofa
  • Language: Tongan, English
  • Currency: Tongan Pa’anga (TOP)
  • Time Zone: Tonga Time (TOT, UTC+13)
  • Country Area Code: +676
  • Top-Level Domain: .to
  • ISO Country Codes: TO, TON

Tuvalu

Country Overview:

Tuvalu is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, comprising nine coral atolls, with a total land area of approximately 26 square kilometers. Known for its picturesque atolls, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant marine life, Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote countries in the world. It is also renowned for its rich Polynesian culture, which includes traditional music, dance, and handicrafts.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: October 1, 1978 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 11,000
  • Capital City: Funafuti
  • Language: Tuvaluan, English
  • Currency: Tuvaluan Dollar (TVD), Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Time Zone: Tuvalu Time (TVT, UTC+12)
  • Country Area Code: +688
  • Top-Level Domain: .tv
  • ISO Country Codes: TV, TUV

Vanuatu

Country Overview:

Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising approximately 80 islands, with a total land area of around 12,189 square kilometers. Known for its rugged volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs, Vanuatu offers a diverse range of natural attractions. The country is also famous for its unique Melanesian culture, which is characterized by traditional ceremonies, dance, and woodcarving.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: July 30, 1980 (from joint British-French colonial rule)
  • Population: Approximately 300,000
  • Capital City: Port Vila
  • Language: Bislama, English, French
  • Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
  • Time Zone: Vanuatu Time (VUT, UTC+11)
  • Country Area Code: +678
  • Top-Level Domain: .vu
  • ISO Country Codes: VU, VUT