List of Countries in Oceania (Alphabetical Order)

Oceania is the smallest continent in the world. Located in the southern hemisphere, it consists of Australia and the Pacific Islands (Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia). In operational terms, we seek to divide the planet into continental clusters and, therefore, all islands are associated with the continent of Australia or Australasia. Oceania is the largest island cluster on the planet, with over 10,000 islands and 14 countries.

List of All Countries in Oceania by Population

As mentioned above, there are 14 independent countries in Oceania. Among them, the most populous country is Australia and the least is Nauru. The full list of countries in Oceania is shown in the table below, with latest total population.

All the islands of Oceania have a population of indigenous people. However, European whites in Australia and New Zealand constitute to the majority of the inhabitants, especially of British origin. With a population of about 32 million, Oceania is a predominantly urban region. While 75% of the population lives in cities, 25% of oceanic people live in the countryside. For Australia and New Zealand, 85% of the population lives in urban areas, while on the islands most people live in rural areas.

#	Flag	Independent Country	Current Population	Subregion
1		Australia	25,399,311	Australasia
2		Papua New Guinea	8,558,811	Melanesia
3		New Zealand	4,968,541	Polynesia
4		Fiji	884,898	Melanesia
5		Solomon Islands	680,817	Melanesia
6		Vanuatu	304,511	Melanesia
7		Samoa	200,885	Polynesia
8		Kiribati	120,111	Micronesia
9		Federated States of Micronesia	105,311	Micronesia
10		Tonga	100,311	Polynesia
11		Marshall Islands	55,511	Micronesia
12		Palau	17,911	Micronesia
13		Nauru	11,011	Micronesia
14		Tuvalu	10,211	Polynesia

Territories in Oceania by Population

The list of all 11 territories is shown in the table below, with latest total population and dependencies.

#	Dependent Territory	Current Population	Territory of
1	New Caledonia	282,211	France
2	French Polynesia	275,929	France
3	Guam	172,411	United States
4	American Samoa	56,711	United States
5	Northern Mariana Islands	56,211	United States
6	Cook Islands	15,211	New Zealand
7	Wallis and Futuna	11,711	France
8	Norfolk Island	1,767	Australia
9	Niue	1,531	New Zealand
10	Tokelau	1,411	New Zealand
11	Pitcairn Islands	51	United Kingdom

Map of Regions and Countries in Australia

Oceania Countries by Area

Oceania has an area of 8,480,355 km², with a varying demographic density: Australia 2.2 residents/km²; Papua New Guinea 7.7 residents/km²; Nauru 380 ha /km²; Tonga 163 residents/km² and the territory of Australia correspond to the largest portion of Oceania, with about 90% of the continent. Oceania’s largest cities are located in Australia and they are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Other major cities are Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand, and Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.

Below is a list of all the Oceania countries, in order of land area size. Australia is the biggest country while Nauru is the smallest one.

#	Country Name	Land Area (km²)
1	Australia	7,692,024
2	Papua New Guinea	462,840
3	New Zealand	270,467
4	Solomon Islands	28,896
5	Fiji	18,274
6	Vanuatu	12,189
7	Samoa	2,831
8	Kiribati	811
9	Tonga	747
10	Micronesia	702
11	Palau	459
12	Marshall Islands	181
13	Tuvalu	26
14	Nauru	21

Alphabetical List of Countries and Dependencies in Oceania

In summary, there are a total of 25 independent countries and dependent territories in Oceania. See the following for full list of countries and dependencies of Australia in alphabetical order:

1. American Samoa (United States)
2. Australia
3. Cook Islands (New Zealand)
4. Fiji
5. French Polynesia (France)
6. Guam (United States)
7. Kiribati
8. Marshall Islands
9. Micronesia
10. Nauru
11. New Caledonia (France)
12. New Zealand
13. Niue (New Zealand)
14. Norfolk Island (Australia)
15. Northern Mariana Islands (United States)
16. Palau
17. Papua New Guinea
18. Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom)
19. Samoa
20. Solomon Islands
21. Tokelau (New Zealand)
22. Tonga
23. Tuvalu
24. Vanuatu
25. Wallis and Futuna (France)

Brief History of Oceania

Ancient Settlements and Indigenous Cultures

Oceania, comprising Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, is a region with a rich tapestry of ancient histories and diverse cultures. The earliest settlers arrived in Papua New Guinea and Australia around 60,000 years ago. These initial settlers are the ancestors of the Aboriginal Australians and Papuans. Over millennia, they developed distinct cultures, languages, and social structures, deeply interconnected with the land and sea.

In the Pacific Islands, the Lapita people, believed to have originated from Southeast Asia, began settling around 1500 BCE. They spread across the Pacific, reaching as far as Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. The Lapita culture is known for its intricate pottery and seafaring skills, laying the foundation for the Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian cultures that followed.

Polynesian Expansion

One of the most remarkable chapters in the history of Oceania is the Polynesian expansion. Around 1000 CE, Polynesians embarked on extraordinary voyages, navigating vast ocean distances using stars, wind patterns, and ocean currents. They settled in places as far-flung as Hawaii, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), and New Zealand (Aotearoa). This period saw the development of complex societies with sophisticated social hierarchies, religious practices, and impressive structures like the moai statues on Easter Island.

European Exploration and Colonization

The arrival of Europeans in Oceania began with the Portuguese and Spanish explorers in the early 16th century, but significant exploration did not occur until the 18th century. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman charted parts of Australia and New Zealand in the 1640s. British navigator Captain James Cook made extensive voyages in the late 18th century, mapping much of the Pacific and establishing contact with many indigenous cultures.

European colonization brought profound changes to Oceania. The British established penal colonies in Australia starting in 1788, leading to significant displacement and suffering for Aboriginal Australians. In New Zealand, British colonization intensified following the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, resulting in land disputes and conflicts with the Māori people. The French established colonies in New Caledonia and Tahiti, while other European powers, including Germany and the Netherlands, claimed territories in Melanesia and Micronesia.

Colonial Era and World Wars

The 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by the consolidation of European colonial rule across Oceania. The impact on indigenous populations was devastating, with diseases, land dispossession, and cultural disruption leading to significant declines in their numbers and traditional ways of life. Missionary activities also played a significant role in transforming the religious landscape of the region.

During World War I and World War II, Oceania’s strategic importance was highlighted. Battles were fought in places like Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The wars also brought increased American presence and influence, particularly in Micronesia, where many islands became important military bases.

Path to Independence

The post-World War II era marked the beginning of decolonization in Oceania. Many territories gained independence or transitioned to self-governance. Australia and New Zealand, dominions within the British Commonwealth, gained greater autonomy, culminating in the Statute of Westminster in 1931 and subsequent legislation.

In the Pacific, the process was slower. Fiji gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1970, Papua New Guinea from Australia in 1975, and other island nations like Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati followed in the 1970s and 1980s. French Polynesia and New Caledonia remain overseas territories of France, while Guam and American Samoa are territories of the United States.

Modern Era and Contemporary Issues

Today, Oceania is a region of diverse political statuses and challenges. Australia and New Zealand are developed nations with strong economies and significant influence in regional affairs. Pacific Island nations, however, face unique challenges, including economic dependency, political instability, and the effects of climate change.

Climate change poses an existential threat to many low-lying island nations in Oceania. Rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and coral reef degradation impact the livelihoods and homes of millions. Nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu are at the forefront of global climate advocacy, seeking urgent action to mitigate these impacts.

Cultural Revival and Identity

Despite the challenges, there has been a strong cultural revival across Oceania. Indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands are reclaiming their languages, traditions, and identities. In Australia, the recognition of Aboriginal land rights and the growing movement for constitutional recognition reflect this resurgence. In New Zealand, Māori culture and language have seen significant revitalization, supported by government policies and public interest.