Lexi Webster
Australia and Oceania, the smallest continent in the world, is comprised of 14 independent countries and 12 dependent overseas territories. The continent is surrounded by the Indian, Southern and Pacific Oceans and includes the Australian mainland, large islands such as New Zealand and Tasmania, the eastern half of New Guinea, and thousands of tropical islands scattered throughout the South Pacific.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of independent countries | 14 |
| Number of dependent overseas territories | 12 |
| Largest sovereign state | Australia |
| Smallest independent country | Nauru |
| Tourist destinations | Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Bora Bora |
| Total land area | 8.56 million square kilometres (3,310,000 sq mi) |
| Continent characteristics | Smallest, lowest, flattest, and second-driest continent |
| Country with unique flora and fauna | Eucalyptus trees, platypus, echidna, acacias, dingoes, kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras |
| National animals | Koala, emu, platypus, kangaroo, and Tasmanian devil |
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What You'll Learn
The smallest continent in the world
The number of continents in the world depends on who you ask. Some sources state that there are seven continents, listing them from smallest to largest as Oceania, Europe, Antarctica, South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. Oceania, also referred to as Australia and the smallest continent, is surrounded by the Indian, Southern, and Pacific Oceans. It includes the entire Australian mainland, large islands such as New Zealand, Tasmania, and the eastern half of New Guinea, as well as thousands of tiny tropical islands in the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia regions. Oceania has 14 independent countries and 12 dependent overseas territories. Australia, the largest sovereign state in Oceania, occupies about 86% of the region's total area.
Other sources, however, argue for a different number of continents. Some propose a four-continent model, classifying landmasses that are naturally separated by water. In this model, the continents are AfroEurasia, America, Antarctica, and Australia. Another perspective suggests six continents: Africa, America, Antarctica, Asia, Oceania, and Europe, with the Americas blended into one continent. Excluding Antarctica and merging the Americas results in a five-continent model.
The continent of Australia is sometimes confused with the region of Oceania. Australia, a country in its own right, is the smallest continent, spanning over 3 million square miles and home to approximately 46 million people. In comparison, Europe, only 0.8 million square miles larger, has a population of about 748 million, nearly 16 times more than Australia.
While there are differing opinions on the number of continents, Oceania, or Australia, consistently ranks as the smallest. With its collection of independent countries and territories, it offers a diverse range of destinations for tourists, from the famous Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the tropical islands of Fiji and Bora Bora, and the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef.
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The 14 independent countries
Australia and Oceania, surrounded by the Indian, Southern, and Pacific Oceans, is the smallest continent in the world. It includes the entire Australian mainland, large islands like New Zealand, Tasmania, and the eastern half of New Guinea, and thousands of tiny tropical islands in the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia regions.
There are 14 independent countries and 12 dependent overseas territories in Australia and Oceania. The largest sovereign state is Australia, occupying about 86% of the region's total area. Australia is also highly urbanized, with its economic and cultural centres in Sydney and Melbourne. The country is known for its unique flora and fauna, including eucalyptus trees, acacias, and egg-laying mammals like the platypus and echidna.
The smallest independent country in the region is Nauru, which is so small that it takes less than an hour to drive around. Other independent countries in the region include New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. These countries offer popular island holiday destinations such as Fiji and Bora Bora, and unique cultural experiences like the diverse languages and rural lifestyle of Papua New Guinea.
While New Zealand is not part of the Australian continent, it is part of the Oceanian sub-region of Australasia, along with Australia and New Guinea. New Zealand, known for its natural beauty, is a popular tourist destination, particularly for its famous beach resorts.
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The 12 dependent overseas territories
Australia and Oceania, the smallest continent in the world, include the entire Australian mainland, large islands such as New Zealand, Tasmania, and the eastern half of New Guinea, as well as thousands of tiny tropical islands in the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia regions. This continent comprises 14 independent countries and 12 dependent overseas territories.
The continent's largest sovereign state is Australia, which occupies about 86% of the region's total area. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory largely operate like the states, with representation in Parliament and the Senate. However, they do not have constitutional status as states, and their legislation can be overridden.
These external territories are regulated by Acts of the federal Parliament, which outline their legal and political structures. While they have their own judicial systems, the federal High Court of Australia serves as the final court of appeal and can override territorial decisions. These territories are legally subordinate to the federal government but can still administer local policies and programs.
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Capitals of the countries in Australia
Australia, or the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign state that makes up the Australian continent's interior, the island of Tasmania, and several other smaller islands. The country is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms.
The capital of Australia is Canberra, which is located in the Australian Capital Territory and serves as the administrative and political centre of the country. The nation's biggest city, Sydney, is the capital of New South Wales (NSW), which is known for its indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness.
Moving north to the state of Queensland (QLD), Brisbane (or Brissie) is the capital. This state is known as the 'Sunshine State' and is a popular destination for outdoor activities and water sports. To the west lies the state of Western Australia (WA), the largest state in the country. Its capital, Perth, is known for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
South Australia (SA) is a laid-back destination, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Adelaide, its capital, is a great base for exploring the Barossa Valley wineries and the Flinders Ranges. Victoria (VIC), with its capital Melbourne, is the cultural heart of Australia. Melbourne has been named the 'Most Liveable City in the World' multiple times due to its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere.
Tasmania (TAS) is an island state separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait. Its capital, Hobart, is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by quaint regional towns and exquisite food and wine trails.
In addition to these states and territories, the Australian continent also includes the independent countries of New Zealand, with its capital in Wellington; Papua New Guinea, with its capital in Port Moresby; and Fiji, with its capital in Suva, among others.
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The most visited tourist destinations
Australia is a continent comprising 14 independent countries and 12 dependent territories. The continent is surrounded by the Indian, Southern, and Pacific Oceans. The largest country in Australia and Oceania is Australia itself, occupying about 86% of the region's total area. The smallest is Nauru, which you can drive around in under an hour.
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, is a popular stop for culture lovers. The Heide Museum of Modern Art, a combination of a contemporary art gallery, historical art museum, and heritage park, is set on vast lush farmland. The Melbourne Museum is another popular attraction. The Australian Open tennis tournament, held in January, is a major draw for visitors to Melbourne.
Outside of these cities, the Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site, is Australia’s largest national park and one of the world’s greatest places to witness wilderness. The park offers woodlands, floodplains, mangroves, tidal mudflains, and monsoon forests. The Daintree Rainforest, another World Heritage Site, is where the rainforest meets the sea. Here, lush jungles tumble to the edge of secluded white beaches, and the sand disappears into world-class dive sites.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, jointly managed by Parks Australia and the traditional landowners, the Aṉangu people, is another popular destination. Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a large monolith rising to a height of 348 meters from the surrounding plain. About a 30-minute drive from Uluru are the red dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta, which can be admired on the 2.6-kilometer-return trek to Walpa Gorge or the 7.4-kilometer Valley of the Winds circuit.
Fraser Island, a short ferry trip from Hervey Bay, is the largest sand island in the world and offers a unique four-wheel-drive adventure. Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets reef along the white sandy beaches of the Coral Sea, is another must-see.
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Frequently asked questions
The continent of Australia is made up of the country of Australia and 13 other independent countries, including New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Nauru.
Besides Australia, the other countries in the continent of Australia are New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.
Yes, in addition to the 14 independent countries, there are 12 dependent overseas territories in the continent of Australia, including American Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Easter Island.
