A list of countries in Oceania is a hot topic for travelers who are big fans of adventure. This continent has an enormous variety of scenery, ranging from the sun-drenched Pacific Islands with their sandy beaches to the dry Australian outback. This article at E-vissa.com is compiled to provide foreigners with details about some stunning countries for their reference.
Oceania is the second-smallest continent in terms of population and the smallest in terms of area, spanning both the Eastern and Western hemispheres. Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Australasia make up this region. Since it was first inhabited 6,000 years ago, the continent has seen significant cultural and social change.
Basic details about Oceania
The United Nations uses its geoscheme to define Oceania for statistical reasons. Oceania is divided into four subregions according to this scheme: Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, and Australia. Every subregion is made up of different nations and areas.
These areas are categorized by the UN geoscheme for statistical purposes only, and it makes no political assumptions. Nevertheless, it provides a useful estimate of the number of nations in Oceania.
The four areas that make up Oceania are further subdivided into individual countries:
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Areas |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Micronesia |
Many island states and territories are included in this subregion, including Wake Island (USA), Guam (USA), Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, the Northern Mariana Islands (USA), and Palau. |
|
Melanesia |
This subregion is made up of the following nations and territories: Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and New Caledonia (France). |
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Polynesia |
This subregion, which spans a sizable triangle in the eastern Pacific, comprises the following countries: Pitcairn Islands (UK), American Samoa (USA), Cook Islands (NZ), French Polynesia (France), Niue (NZ), Samoa, Tokelau (NZ), Tonga, Tuvalu, and Wallis and Futuna (France). |
|
Australasia |
New Zealand and Australia are included in this subregion. |
There are a wide variety of economies in Oceania. Starting with the highly developed and fiercely competitive financial markets of Australia and New Zealand, it moves on to the more moderate economies of French Polynesia, Hawaii, New Caledonia, and Polynesia. In terms of human development and quality of life, Oceania's nations are likewise well-ranked.
The rating is similar for slightly less developed economies like Kiribati, Papua Guinea, and Indonesian New Guinea. The region encompasses medium-sized economies as well, including those of the Pacific Islands, which include Tonga, Fiji, and Palau. Australia is the most populous country in the world, and Sydney is the biggest metropolis there.
Christianity is the most significant and prevalent religion in the area. 96% of respondents in Polynesia, 93% in Micronesia, and 92% in Melanesia identify as Christians, per a poll. Other traditional faiths are atheism (no religion) and animism (places, things, and creatures possess distinct spirituality).
Other significant religions in Oceania include Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism, which are significant minority religions in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the settlers follow Judaism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
The climate is semi-arid or desert most of the time on the Australian mainland, which lies southwest of the region. The southern coastal regions of the landmass have a moderate climate that can be damp or oceanic. The country's northern region experiences a tropical environment. Snowfall in the east coast mountains is a common sight for residents of Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Most of the year, New Zealand experiences all four seasons. Extremely rainy to nearly semi-arid conditions are possible in the weather. On the North Island, snowfall occurs at higher elevations.
Oceania is a region known for its breathtaking natural beauty, dynamic civilizations, and, most alluring of all, a wide variety of delectable foods known as "Oceanian food." A trip around the Pacific to enjoy cuisine is an unforgettable experience. An enthralling fusion of native customs, colonial influences, and creative adaptations that turn every meal into various specialties.
Oceania cuisine offers an abundance of tastes, textures, and components. The foundation of Oceania cuisine is the use of local ingredients, particularly seafood, tropical fruits, and root vegetables. Oceania's various culinary cultures are a reflection of the rich history, way of life, and natural resources of each region's inhabitants.
The willingness to experiment and adapt is one amazing feature of Oceania cuisine. For example, the nutritious appeal and customizable nature of the Poké bowl, a traditional Hawaiian dish of marinated raw fish served over rice, have taken the culinary world by storm. These foods not only tempt our palates but also perfectly express Oceania's rich cultural diversity, inventive energy, and appreciation of healthful cuisine.
You might be required to obtain a visa in advance if you wish to travel to specific Oceanian nations. Each one among the list of countries in Oceania stipulates different visa requirements, so it is advised to double check with the government where you intend to visit for more updated changes.
Checking out the visa requirements in advance is vital
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Countries |
|---|
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Australia |
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Fiji |
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Nauru |
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New Zealand |
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Palau |
Citizens of nations that have bilateral agreements with Oceania find it easier to obtain visas for these nations. If visiting New Zealand for less than three months, almost all nationals of the European Union and nations like Argentina, Oman, Qatar, etc. are exempt from the visa criteria.
A limit of 10,000 in foreign currency is permitted in the majority of the countries, and greater quantities must be declared upon import or export. Certain firearms are permitted to be checked in with luggage in Australia, but you must always have valid certificates.
A license is required in order to import animals, yet in nations like Kiribati, imports of animals are only permitted from nearby nations like Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand. Amounts over $10,000 must be declared when importing or exporting foreign currency.
A permit from the Ministry of Agriculture is required in order to import seeds into Fiji. Except for Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu, most of the countries do not charge departure taxes.
Below is a summary of Oceania's special things:
|
Area |
8.525.989 km2 |
|---|---|
|
Population |
41.570.842 (2018) |
|
Countries inside |
14 |
|
The biggest nation (about area) |
Australia |
|
The smallest country |
Nauru |
|
The most populous country |
Australia |
|
Common languages spoken in Oceania |
Over 1,000 languages |
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The largest island |
New Guinea |
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The highest mountain |
Mount Cook (New Zealand) |
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The longest river |
Murray river |
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Well-known destinations |
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Vanuatu |
Oceania comprises 14 independent nations, which are mentioned below:
List of countries in Oceania in detail
|
Nations |
Capital |
Area (km2) |
Population (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Australia |
Canberra |
7.688.000 |
25,69 million |
|
Federated States of Micronesia |
Palikir |
701,9 |
113.131 people |
|
Fiji |
Suva |
18.274 |
924.610 people |
|
Kiribati |
South Tarawa |
811,2 |
128.874 people |
|
Marshall Islands |
Majuro |
181 |
42.050 people |
|
Nauru |
Yaren |
21 |
12.511 people |
|
New Zealand |
Wellington |
268.021 |
5,123 million |
|
Palau |
Ngerulmud |
458,4 |
18.024 people |
|
Papua New Guinea |
Port Moresby |
462.839 |
9,949 million |
|
Samoa |
Apia |
2.831 |
218.764 people |
|
Solomon Islands |
Honiara |
28.896 |
707.851 people |
|
Tonga |
Nukuʻalofa |
748 |
106.017 people |
|
Tuvalu |
Funafuti |
26 |
11.204 people |
|
Vanuatu |
Port Vila |
12.189 |
319.137 people |
Note: Although a number of nations are governed by different governments politically, they are situated in Oceania geographically.
Together with creoles and pidgins, the continent of Oceania is home to a multitude of indigenous languages. However, the following languages are among the most widely spoken in Oceania:
|
Language |
Region |
Speaker numbers |
|---|---|---|
|
English |
New Zealand |
30 million |
|
Australia |
||
|
Fiji |
||
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Papua New Guinea |
||
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Vanuatu |
||
|
Kiribati |
||
|
The Papuan languages |
New Guinea (and surrounding territories) |
4 million |
|
Fijian |
Fiji |
500,000 |
|
Solomon Islands |
||
|
New Zealand |
||
|
Hindu |
Fiji |
400,000 |
|
Australia |
||
|
Polynesian |
French Polynesia |
100,000 |
|
New Caledonia |
||
|
Solomon Islands |
Note: Despite being the official language of the majority of Oceania’s nations, few locals speak English. For instance, while English is the official language, approximately 1% to 2% of citizens there speak it well. Instead, residents used Solomons Pijin, an English creole, more frequently.
Oceania is divided into five regions: Polynesia, Melanesia, Australasia, and Micronesia, each with distinct climates. Oceania is located in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The three Pacific Islands - Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia - have tropical savanna and rainforest climates, respectively, and are particularly susceptible to climate change. All of them, however, have year-round good weather with consistent patterns and temperatures throughout the islands.
Australia, which occupies the largest geographical area in the area, has the most varied climate on the continent, with desert interiors and a tropical north coast. New Zealand, on the other hand, has a somewhat milder climate than Australia because of its isolation from other continents and exposure to chilly western winds and ocean currents.
The optimal time to visit Oceania, therefore, varies depending on where you choose to go. Based on climate, you can find out when is the best time to visit each location in Oceania.
A vacation on a South Pacific island is something that everyone dreams of. Take some time to explore the best list of countries in Oceania for backpacking and make some advance plans. You can absolutely make some arrangements carefully before you are ready to go to any nation on this continent. The following recommendations are for you to clarify which countries you desire to visit once in a lifetime.
New Zealand is one of the best-liked destinations in Oceania
|
Nations |
Main features |
|---|---|
|
Fiji |
Of Oceania's breathtakingly gorgeous island chains, Fiji is the gem in the crown. With more than 500 islets and over 330 islands, Fiji is an island nation in the Melanesia area. The nation exudes warmth and romanticism with its sea of colorful coral formations, immaculate sandy beaches, and enormous mountains surrounded by dense tropical woods. In other words, a very popular destination for couples is Fiji! The biggest island in the archipelago, Viti Levu, is where visitors typically stay. From this destination, visitors can travel to other islands, such as Kadavu, which is home to the fourth-largest coral formation on Earth, and Mamanuca, which is a haven for snorkelers and divers. |
|
New Zealand |
An astounding variety of natural characteristics may be found in New Zealand. A location of extreme contrasts, the nation provides breathtaking vistas of steep fjords, jagged mountains, enticing glaciers, volcanic plateaus, and expansive, lush plains of amazing beauty. Given its remarkable diversity of landscapes, it should come as no surprise that New Zealand ranks among the best places to go on outdoor-focused vacations. Queenstown, a lakeside resort city dubbed the world's adventure capital, is also located on New Zealand's South Island. 1.2 million hectares of mountains, lakes, fiords, and forests make up the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! |
|
Australia |
Due to its vast size, Australia is a great place to experience a wide range of activities. For example, beach bums will have a blast discovering the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Included in one of the most picturesque natural parks globally, the islands boast a thick layer of rainforest, multiple hiking paths, and white-sand beaches. There, tourists can sunbathe at Whitehaven Beach, which is thought to be the most gorgeous beach on Earth, and go snorkeling around the Great Barrier Reef's stunning blue seas to see unusual types of marine life! One of the most picturesque drives in Australia is the Great Ocean Road, which is a great place for nature enthusiasts to have an unforgettable experience. This 249-mile coastal drive provides visitors with the broadest views of waterfalls, wildlife, historic fishing communities, rainforests, rivers, and volcanoes. It stretches along Victoria's southwest coast. |
|
Samoa |
Everything you have seen and experienced before does not compare to Samoa. This Polynesian island nation, which includes the two larger populated islands of Savaii and Upolu, two smaller islands, Manono and Apolima, and other island groups, boasts stunning natural landscapes. Rough mountain ranges, rainforests, and coral formations encircling the islands, which are home to over 900 different species of fish, make up the nation. Therefore, Paradise Samoa is the ideal location for a holiday surrounded by nature. |
|
Palau |
Located in the Micronesia region, Palau, often referred to as Belau, is a republic of approximately 300 islands in the Pacific. Reputably regarded as one of the top diving locations globally, Palau entices the daring adventurer with its stunning underwater scenery, verdant surroundings, immaculate shorelines, and abundant cultural legacy. Discover the allure of the Rock Islands, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and allow yourself to be mesmerized by Palau's harmonious blend of stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity. |
|
Papua New Guinea |
Situated in the South Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea - one of the nations on the list of countries in Oceania - welcomes tourists from all over the world. It is a location of rich cultural diversity, lively customs, and breathtaking scenery. Scuba diving, trekking, bird watching, and cultural tours are just a few of the various activities available in Papua New Guinea. With over 700 distinct tribes that continue to follow their ancient traditions, the nation is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Mount Wilhelm, Rabaul, the Kokoda Trail, and Tufi Dive Resort are a few of the well-known sights of Papua New Guinea. The people in the nation are renowned for being amiable and eager to share their history and culture with guests. Papua New Guinea offers travelers adventure, leisure, and a deeply immersive cultural experience. |
During your trip, Oceania offers an abundance of exciting activities to enjoy; the main challenge will be cramming them all into your schedule. Once you have decided where you will take a trip, make sure to check out our country guides. It is because each country has its own offerings and special things to check out during a visit.
|
Activities |
Detailed information |
|---|---|
|
Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef |
The Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia's most amazing natural treasures, has the amazing beauty of the largest coral reef in the world. In addition to having hundreds of charming tropical islands with some of the most stunning sun-kissed golden beaches on Earth, the reef is home to an enormous variety of marine life. It is made up of over 3,000 separate reef systems and coral cays. Owing to its inherent splendor, the Great Barrier Reef has emerged as one of the most coveted tourist spots globally. Many activities are available to visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, such as self-sailing bareboats, scuba diving, airplane or helicopter tours, snorkeling, and more. |
|
Visiting the Sydney Opera House to watch a show |
The Sydney Opera House is an opera house in New South Wales, Australia, situated on Port Jackson in Sydney Harbour. It is one of the most photographed structures in the world because of its inventive use of a series of shimmering white sail-shaped shells as its roof structure. More than eight million people visit the site each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. Of those visitors, about 350,000 take a guided tour of the building. |
|
Immersing in Ayers Rock’s beauty |
Uluru is known as one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders. Uluru is a very spiritual location, in addition to being a magnificent natural formation. The Anangu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is classified as part of the World Heritage, has particular cultural value for the local Aboriginal people since it is a place where memory and the earth coexist. The area offers over 101 activities that are suitable for tourists' cultural backgrounds. |
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Enjoying a wonderful day in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora |
Renowned globally for their exceptional experiences, the luxurious overwater bungalows constructed of wood and pandanus offer the ultimate Bora Bora getaway. Picture yourself waking up over the glistening blue lagoon, diving into the water from your deck, or savoring the fish visible through the glass floor. There are unique bungalows on every island and resort, ranging from cozy ones to opulent villas with plunge pools. |
|
Having a tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves |
A cave located in Waitomo on New Zealand's North Island is known as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It is well-known for housing a colony of Arachnocampa Luminosa, a kind of glowworm that is unique to New Zealand. Ruakuri Cave, Lucky Strike, and Tumutumu Cave are all a part of the Waitomo streamway system, which also includes this cave. |
Traveling through Oceania offers a unique experience because of its distinct characteristics, which include both booming urban centers and secluded islands. Here is some must-know travel advice to help you get the most out of your trip to Oceania.
Follow up on tips for traveling to ensure a hassle-free vacation on this continent
Purchasing adequate travel insurance is an essential travel tip. Having insurance coverage will give you peace of mind because unanticipated occurrences or accidents can happen during your trip. For your own safety, think about this travel document when you visit Oceania.
The climate of Oceania is very diverse, ranging from temperate to tropical. Make sure to pack appropriately by researching the weather at your destination.
Many cultures, each with its own traditions and customs, may be found throughout Oceania. When dealing with locals or visiting cultural places, always remember to be respectful of local customs.
Visas are needed for certain countries in Oceania, such as Australia and New Zealand. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the dates of your trip, and check the entry criteria for your location well in advance. Hiring a visa agency like E-vissa.com to complete all the related visa formalities on your behalf is a considerable option.
One of Oceania's most valuable features is its breathtaking natural beauty. Reduce trash, stay away from single-use plastics, and show consideration for wildlife and natural areas when traveling.
This travel guide to Oceania provides you with all the information you need to organize and have a wonderful trip. To make your trip to Oceania an unforgettable experience, learn about the area's many attractions, cozy lodging options, and essential travel advice.
When making your first trip to Oceania, keep the following points in mind, in addition to being aware of the list of countries in Oceania:
Oceania is a large continent with many countries. This implies that there is a lot to discover, so traveling from point A to point B may take some time. This is the reason self-drive vacations are so popular: you can travel a great distance on your own time. If you decide that flying is the only option, you'll need to reserve your tickets in advance to avoid paying exorbitant costs.
Prices in Oceania can be highly expensive, which is one of the first things visitors notice when they arrive. It is not the place for a low-cost vacation because food, drink, and general amenities are expensive here.
The sun here is very strong because of a hole in the ozone layer in this region of the earth. The sun can be hazardous, even though this is the reason why most Australians have bronzed skin. Use SPF protection and avoid spending too much time in the midday sun.
Finally, when it comes to hazardous creatures, Oceania has a terrible reputation. This is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and millions of people call it home, so don't let the animals turn you away. That being said, it's still a good idea to be aware of which animals are harmful and to know what to do if you encounter them.
A list of countries in Oceania is revealed to give you an overview before planning to visit this continent. Visitors must clarify whether a visa is required or not to be well prepared for an upcoming trip. E-vissa.com can help you finalize all steps of the complicated visa procedures, making your vacation run smoothly. Contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our visa services.
