List of Countries in Oceania Alphabetically

Oceania is a region centered on the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean. This continent is divided into four regions: Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Oceania encompasses a total of 14 independent countries and 14 territories. The independent nations are Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati, Tonga, Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Nauru. The territories include French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Guam, American Samoa, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Pitcairn Islands, Wallis and Futuna, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and the Australian External Territories (including Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Coral Sea Islands, and others).

1. Australia

• Capital: Canberra
• Population: Over 25.7 million
• Language: English
• Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
• Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Australia is the largest country in Oceania and the sixth-largest country in the world by land area. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including vast deserts, tropical rainforests, and stunning coastlines. Australia has a multicultural society, with immigrants from around the world contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.

2. Fiji

• Capital: Suva
• Population: Approximately 896,000
• Language: English, Fijian, Hindi
• Currency: Fijian dollar (FJD)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant culture. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and cultural experiences. Fiji gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1970.

3. Kiribati

• Capital: South Tarawa
• Population: Around 120,000
• Language: English, Gilbertese
• Currency: Kiribati dollar (AUD), Kiribati dollar (KID)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Kiribati is a Pacific island nation consisting of 33 atolls and reef islands. It is known for its low-lying coral atolls, which are vulnerable to rising sea levels due to climate change. Kiribati is one of the least developed countries in the world and relies heavily on international aid and remittances.

4. Marshall Islands

• Capital: Majuro
• Population: Approximately 59,000
• Language: English, Marshallese
• Currency: United States dollar (USD)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

The Marshall Islands is a Micronesian country in the central Pacific Ocean, known for its beautiful coral reefs, World War II history, and nuclear testing legacy. It gained independence from the United States in 1986 and has since been a sovereign nation with close ties to the U.S.

5. Micronesia (Federated States of Micronesia)

• Capital: Palikir
• Population: Around 113,000
• Language: English
• Currency: United States dollar (USD)
• Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic

The Federated States of Micronesia is a country spread across the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. It is known for its pristine coral reefs, World War II wrecks, and traditional island cultures. Micronesia has a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which provides for defense and financial assistance.

6. Nauru

• Capital: Yaren (de facto)
• Population: Approximately 10,000
• Language: English, Nauruan
• Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Nauru is the third smallest country in the world by land area, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is known for its phosphate mining industry, which has shaped its economy and landscape. Nauru gained independence from Australia in 1968 and is one of the least populous countries globally.

7. New Zealand

• Capital: Wellington
• Population: Over 5.1 million
• Language: English, Māori
• Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, fjords, and beaches. It is a developed nation with a high standard of living and is famous for its adventure tourism, wine industry, and indigenous Māori culture.

8. Palau

• Capital: Ngerulmud
• Population: Approximately 18,000
• Language: English, Palauan
• Currency: United States dollar (USD)
• Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Palau is an island country in the western Pacific Ocean, known for its pristine marine environment, including coral reefs, marine lakes, and World War II wrecks. It is a popular destination for diving and eco-tourism. Palau gained independence from the United States in 1994 under the Compact of Free Association.

9. Papua New Guinea

• Capital: Port Moresby
• Population: Around 9.1 million
• Language: English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu
• Currency: Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Papua New Guinea is the largest country in the Pacific region by land area, known for its cultural diversity, dense rainforests, and active volcanoes. It is one of the most culturally diverse countries globally, with over 800 indigenous languages spoken. Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975.

10. Samoa

• Capital: Apia
• Population: Approximately 200,000
• Language: English, Samoan
• Currency: Samoan tālā (WST)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Samoa is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and traditional Polynesian culture. It is one of the last remaining monarchies in the Pacific, with a unique system of fa’amatai (chieftainship). Samoa was formerly known as Western Samoa until 1997 when it dropped the “Western” from its name.

11. Solomon Islands

• Capital: Honiara
• Population: Around 686,000
• Language: English
• Currency: Solomon Islands dollar (SBD)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

The Solomon Islands is an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, known for its biodiversity, coral reefs, and World War II history. It has a diverse culture, with over 70 languages spoken among its various indigenous groups. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.

12. Tonga

• Capital: Nuku’alofa
• Population: Approximately 100,000
• Language: English, Tongan
• Currency: Tongan pa’anga (TOP)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Tonga is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and unique Polynesian culture. It is the only remaining monarchy in the Pacific and has never been colonized. Tonga is often referred to as the “Friendly Islands” due to its welcoming hospitality.

13. Tuvalu

• Capital: Funafuti
• Population: Around 11,000
• Language: English, Tuvaluan
• Currency: Australian dollar (AUD), Tuvaluan dollar (TVD)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Tuvalu is a Polynesian island nation in the Pacific Ocean, consisting of nine atolls and reef islands. It is one of the smallest and least populous countries in the world, known for its vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels. Tuvalu gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.

14. Vanuatu

• Capital: Port Vila
• Population: Approximately 314,000
• Language: English, Bislama, French
• Currency: Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its rugged landscapes, active volcanoes, and diverse indigenous cultures. It is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering activities such as diving, hiking, and cultural experiences. Vanuatu gained independence from France and the United Kingdom in 1980.