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Cultural Characteristics of Australia, the Pacific Islands and Antarctica. Francisci WG.4. The Pacific Islands. The Pacific Islands are sparsely (thinly scattered ) populated. Many of the Pacific Islands are developing nations. The Pacific Islands.
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Cultural Characteristics of Australia, the Pacific Islands and Antarctica Francisci WG.4
The Pacific Islands • The Pacific Islands are sparsely (thinly scattered) populated. • Many of the Pacific Islands are developing nations.
The Pacific Islands • Many of the people living in the Pacific Islands are subsistence farmers living in rural areas. • Traditional culture dominates these islands. • The majority of the people live in thatched roof dwellings: a house covered with dry vegetation such as straw, water reed, sedge, rushes and heather, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof.
New Zealand • New Zealand is also a developed country with most of the population living in moderncities • Language: English • Religion: Protestant • The indigenous people of New Zealand are called the Maori (10% of the population). • The culture of New Zealand reflects a mix of both European and Maori backgrounds. • 1st country to allow women to vote
Population of Australia • The population of Australia is clustered along the coasts. • The interior of Australia is sparsely populated because this region is primarily desert climate. • Australia is a very well developed country with the majority of the people living in modern cities.
Australia’s Beginnings • The indigenous people of Australia are called the Aborigines: a person that has been in a country or region from earliesttimes (40,000 years ago). • Did not build permanent villages • Used dingoes to help them hunt: wild dogs of Australia • Now only 2.5% of the population • Have laws to protect them – many are victims of poverty, disease and poor education.
Arrival of the British • The British discovered Australia in the 1700s and claimed the land for Britain. • In 1787, a ship carrying British convicts started a prison settlement in Australia. • In 1901, Australia became independent of Britain. • Currently, the culture of Australia reflects both European and Aboriginal backgrounds.
Australian Life • Most Australians speak English • Religion: Protestant • Capital: Canberra • Sydney, Australia: Largest and oldest city • Major seaport and commercial center • Home of Sydney Opera House • Melbourne, Australia: 2nd largest city • Major Industrial Center • Home of the 1956 Summer Olympics
Cultural Landscape • Research Stations (Antarctica) • Cattle and sheep stations (Australia)
Cultural Landscape • Sydney Opera House (Australia) • Great Dividing Range (Australia): 4thlongest mountain range in the world.
Cultural Landscape • Great Barrier Reef (Australia): The world’s largest coral reef system; composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch for 1,616 miles and cover an area of approximately 132,974 sq. miles.