| World Regional Geography: The New Global Order Update, 2/e Michael Bradshaw,
College of St. Mark and John
South Pacific
Chapter OutlineUse this outline to increase
your understanding of the important characteristics of the South Pacific. - Core in the Periphery
-- Australia and New Zealand are core countries located far from other core
areas and have small, peripheral island countries as neighbors to the north
and east. Populations are small and virtually zero for Antarctica. Distances
are long adding to transportation costs.
- Europe Transplanted --
Distance delayed colonization of this region.
- South Pacific Cultures
-- The Aborigines, Maoris, Melanesians, Micronesians, and Polynesians are
the important native cultural groups.
- European Colonization
-- Colonized initially as a penal colony, Australia became several competing
colonies until federation in 1901. British settlement in New Zealand lagged
behind Australia. The different South Pacific islands were taken over by
various foreign powers including the U.S.
- World Issue: Pacific
Rim -- The South Pacific region has to continue to shift its connections away
from Europe toward the other countries of the Pacific Rim, especially those
in East Asia.
- Natural Environment --
A distinctive fauna and flora are found here.
- Oceanic Climates --
Except for Australia's dry interior and Antarctica coldness, tropical waters
determine the climates. El Nino has impacts in this region.
- Continents and Islands
-- The major land areas were part of Gondwanaland until plate tectonics
moved the areas to their present positions. The islands are often
of volcanic origin.
- Unique Biosphere --
Marsupials and eucalyptus trees are the best known of the unique fauna and
flora.
- Natural Resources --
Resources vary from islands with none to Western Australia's many minerals.
- Environmental Problems
-- A variety of natural hazards and misuse of land in Australia are the
most important concerns.
- Australia -- This country
is the largest, most populous, and wealthiest in the South Pacific.
- Regions of Australia
-- Each Australian state and territory has its own character. Most of the
people live in cities on the coast where the environment is better.
- People -- Immigration
compensates for low levels of natural increase. Some Australians have problems
accepting increased interaction with Asians. Better treatment of Aborigines
is desired by more people.
- Economic Development
-- Primary products are important exports, especially wool, lamb, beef,
coal, and iron ore. These exports increasingly go to East Asia. Low prices
for exports are sometimes a problem. Tourism is also important.
- New Zealand -- This country
is much smaller in area and population than Australia.
- Regions of New Zealand
--North Island differs from South Island.
- People -- An urban
country where its native people, the Maori, are fairly successful within
the dominant British New Zealand society.
- Economic Development
-- Primary products and tourism are important. Timber sales to Asia are
an important new economic activity.
- Living in New Zealand
-- Ample land, temperate climate, isolation, anti-French feelings, new products
like deer meat and kiwi fruit, Maoris, and new Asian markets are all part
of life in this country.
- South Pacific Islands
-- These islands are relatively obscure.
- Islands -- Grouped
into three groups based on ethnic background or on location, these islands
vary greatly in wealth and standard of living.
- People -- Rapid population
growth leads to overpopulation on some of these islands. The land and resources
are limited.
- Economic Development
-- Development is limited in much of this region. Minerals help on some
islands, but others face a very difficult future. Foreign aid is crucial
to islands like Tuvalu. Tourism offers employment for some South Pacific
Islanders.
- Antarctica -- Not a country,
use of this continent is regulated through international agreements. The waters
around Antarctica are productive fisheries, but subject to overfishing. Research
related to environmental issues is important.
- Landscapes -- Most cities
are also ports. Extensive areas lack any human activity.
- Future Prospects -- Successfully
increasing trade with East Asia, especially Japan and other Pacific countries,
is necessary. It is important that these countries work together and that
Antarctica is protected.
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