2024
Embarking on a voyage across the expanse of the South Pacific is something I have dreamed of for many years. Natural beauty, unique cultures, lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling….just like in the movies!!
But I was always confused by some of the terms, like Polynesia, French Polynesia, Oceania, Micronesia, etc. What was a country, a continent, an island, a territory, a culture? After a bunch of reading and finally visiting the area….I think I am finally getting the jargon down! Here is a very condensed version of my research to answer the question, “Where in the world are we?”
Oceania: The region of Oceania encompasses a vast area in the Pacific Ocean with thousands of islands and archipelagos. It is incredibly diverse in terms of cultures, languages, and ecosystems and is home to various indigenous peoples, each with unique traditions and histories. The area includes 14 independent nations, many territories, and dependencies governed by external powers.
Subregions of Oceania: Oceania is divided into four subregions:
- Australasia: Includes Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea (shared by Papua New Guinea and Indonesia), and neighboring islands in the Pacific.
- Melanesia: Comprises the islands northeast of Australia, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia.
- Micronesia: Small islands scattered across the western Pacific, north of the equator including the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, and Kiribati.
- Polynesia: Includes islands such as Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti (part of French Polynesia), and others. It is often defined as the triangle of Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island.
French Polynesia: French Polynesia is a specific territory within the broader region of Polynesia, characterized by its political association with France. While it is not an independent country, it has significant autonomy and is considered an overseas collectivity of France. The French government is responsible for defense, foreign affairs, justice, and currency, while local authorities handle other matters.
Spread over a vast area about the size of Europe, French Polynesia comprises 118 islands and atolls (67 are inhabited.) There are five island groups in French Polynesia: Society Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, and the Austral Islands.
It is in French Polynesia where we will spend most of our time.
And now I know where I am, I think!