Australia and the Pacific Islands
Cultural Influences of Australia and the Pacific Islands

Oceania reflects the interactions of indigenous cultures with European and Asian cultures. Many of the people in this region live in large multicultural cities. Some have a traditional way of life that is not influenced by the modern world. In this interactivity, you will learn about the cultural influences of Australia and the Pacific Islands. Click the player to begin.
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Economic Characteristics of Australia

Central business district (CBD) of Melbourne, Australia
Australia has a highly developed market economy. The country has access to abundant natural resources and is heavily involved in international trade. The population enjoys a high standard of living. Unemployment and poverty rates are relatively low.

Gold mine in the Western Plateau region of Australia
The Australian economy has a large primary sector. Major industries include mining, ranching, and farming. Rich deposits of iron, gold, silver, copper, and uranium can be found throughout the Western Plateau. Coal and natural gas are also extracted and exported. Almost 90% of Australia’s agricultural land is used for ranching. This is because the continent is very dry, and arid areas are able to support cattle and sheep stations. Many ranches are located in the dry Central Lowlands. The fertile land found in coastal areas is used to grow crops like wheat, barley, grapes, and other fruit.
Most Australians work in the tertiary and quaternary sectors. The tertiary sector sells goods and services to people and businesses. This sector is sometimes called the service sector. It includes industries like retail, communications services, and healthcare. The quaternary sector focuses on financial services and information. It includes industries like banking, education, and science.