Australia and New Zealand are among the world’s leaders in exports of agricultural products. The region’s many unique environments and animal and plant species draw visitors from around the world, leading to the growth of tourism. Even though physical barriers and long distances can be obstacles for the people who live in and visit Australia and Oceania, improved transportation and communications have helped make the region more interdependent.

Section 1: The Economy

The physical environment affects people and their activities. In Australia and Oceania, differences in physical environments affect the economic activities of the region—from the flat, dry landscapes of central Australia to the pastures of New Zealand or the tropical rain forests of the Pacific Islands.

Section 2: People and Their Environment

Human actions modify the physical environment. Australia and Oceania contain some of Earth’s most diverse natural resources and wildlife, but human activities threaten the environment.

The Economy

In Australia and Oceania, differences in physical environments affect the economic activities of the region—from the flat, dry landscapes of central Australia to the pastures of New Zealand or the tropical rain forests of the Pacific Islands.

A. Fiji

The Economy

B. Papua New Guinea

C. Nauru

Agriculture is the most important economic activity in Australia and Oceania, but new industries are contributing to national economies.

Economic Activities

• Australia is the world’s leading producer of wool.

• Less than 5% of Australians work in agriculture, but most of land is devoted to livestock.

• More than half of New Zealand’s land is used for agriculture.

• Most of Oceania’s land is not arable, but some crops, such as copra, are produced.

• Australia is the leading exporter of:

Economic Activities (cont.)

– Diamonds

– Gold

– Bauxite

– Opals

– Iron ore

Economic Activities (cont.)

• New Zealand has a large aluminum smelting industry.

• Food processing is the most important manufacturing activity in Australia and New Zealand, but most products are used within the country.

Australia and New Zealand:Economic Activities

The physical environment creates obstacles to transportation and communications in Australia and Oceania, but new technologies are helping to conquer these obstacles.

Transportation and Communications

• Australia and New Zealand have the most developed road and rail systems in the region.

• The following are helping communications within Australia and Oceania and with the rest of the world:

– Cellular, digital, Internet and satellite communications

Trade between Australia, Oceania, and other parts of the world has increased due to improvements in transportation and communications, as well as to the creation of trade agreements.

Trade and Interdependence

• The region’s agricultural and mining products are its greatest sources of export income.

Australia’s Trading Partners

People and Their Environment

Australia and Oceania contain some of Earth’s most diverse natural resources and unique wildlife, but human activities threaten the environment.

A. Tasmania

People and Their Environment

B. Murray-Darling River Basin

C. Great Barrier Reef

Australia and Oceania have many natural resources, but the region’s environment is threatened by human activities.

Human Impact on Resources

• Unique animals in Australia and New Zealand:

– Kangaroos

– Koalas

– Wallabies

Human Impact on Resources (cont.)

– Tasmanian devil

• The introduction of nonnative species has threatened the native animals in both countries.

• Efforts are being made to restore the ecological balance.

– Duck-billed platypus

– Echidna

– Sea birds and penguins (New Zealand)

Human Impact on Resources (cont.)

• The protection of forest, soil, and freshwater resources is a major concern throughout the South Pacific region.

• Threats to the Great Barrier Reef:

– Tourists

– Boaters

– Divers

– Oil shale mining

Levels of Coral Bleachingin the Great Barrier Reef

Human Impact on Resources (cont.)

– Increasing water temperature

• In the late 1940s and 1950s, the U.S. and other countries carried out aboveground testing of nuclear weapons in the South Pacific.

• These tests had a major effect on the people and the environment.

– Water pollution

Island Economies

• Australia and New Zealand export large quantities of agricultural products.

• South Pacific island farmers practice subsistence farming and raise pigs and chickens.

• Most people in Australia and New Zealand work in service industries.

• Tourism in the region is growing and its attractions include indigenous cultures, unique wildlife, and interesting geographic features.

Cleaning Up