Australia and New Zealand

1. CHAPTER 31 Australia and New Zealand Section 1: Australia Section 2: New Zealand

2. Section 1 Australia Objectives: • What are the main features of Australia’s natural environments? • What are Australia’s history and culture like? • What are some important features of Australia’s human systems?

3. Section 1 Australia Natural environments: • Great Dividing Range—eastern highlands; main mountain system • Central Lowlands—artesian wells; Lake Eyre, salt lake; Simpson Desert • Western Plateau—two-thirds of country; oldest rocks; deserts, Nullarbor Plain • Great Barrier Reef—coral reefs; varied tropical sea life • a dry, desert interior (outback) surrounded by wetter, greener coasts, with some rainforests • unusual animal life—marsupials

4. Section 1 Australia History and culture: • Aborigines—ancient native culture; traditionally nomadic; hundreds of languages • British settled Australia as a penal colony, starting in 1788. • Settlers forced Aborigines off the land. • Six large colonies developed; became Commonwealth in 1901.

5. Section 1 Australia History and culture: (continued) • People are mainly of European ancestry; many Asians began arriving in 1970s. • Most people live in southeastern coastal cities. • religion—mostly Christian; Aborigine beliefs; immigrants have brought other religions • Sports and beach activities are popular.

6. Section 1 Australia Human systems: • developed country with a market economy • good transportation and health care • stable democratic government • key economic activities—services, mining, extensive agriculture (wool), tourism

7. Section 2 New Zealand Objectives: • What are some important features of New Zealand’s natural environment? • What are New Zealand’s history and culture like? • On what is New Zealand’s economy based, and what economic challenge does the country face?

8. Section 2 New Zealand Natural environments: • North Island—forests, fertile lowlands; tectonic activity (earthquakes, geysers, hot springs) • South Island—high elevations (Southern Alps); Canterbury Plains • mild marine west coast climate overall • temperate forest biome—evergreens, endemic species (kiwis, moas)

9. Section 2 New Zealand History and culture: • Maori arrived around 1000 years ago; settled on North Island. • James Cook arrived in 1769; British settlers came from Australia. • Settlers took Maori land; wars (1845–1872) led to Maori defeat. • New Zealand gained independence, 1907; continued to develop farming economy.

10. Section 2 New Zealand History and culture: • Most people have British ancestors; Maori make up nearly 10 percent. • Population is concentrated along coasts, mainly on North Island and in cities. • Outdoor activities and sports are popular; many sheep.

11. Section 2 New Zealand New Zealand’s economy New Zealand’s economy is based on farming, but manufacturing and services are growing. • Agriculture—sheep and cattle very important; crops include wheat, barley, fruits. • Industry—food processing, wood and paper, textiles, machinery • Film production and tourism are also important. • challenges—small population makes economy of scale difficult; dependence on global trade makes country vulnerable to outside forces