World Geography TodayChapter 31 Australia and New Zealand Preview Section 1: AustraliaAustralia Section 2: New ZealandNew Zealand Chapter Wrap-Up

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Read to Discover 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? Section 1: Australia

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Question What are Australia’s landform regions, water resources, climates, and other resources? Section 1: Australia

World Geography TodayChapter 31 The Natural Environments of Australia Landform Regions Great Dividing Range Central Lowlands Western Plateau Water Resources Murray River Darling River Artesian wells Other Resources Bauxite, copper, iron ore, lead, silver, zinc, gemstones, coal, oil, natural gas, sheep Climates Arid, semiarid, tropical wet and dry, humid subtropical, marine west coast, Mediterranean Section 1: Australia

World Geography TodayChapter 31 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 Dry, desert interior (outback) surrounded by wetter, greener coasts, with some rainforests Unusual animal life—marsupials Section 1: Australia Natural Environments

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Aborigines—Ancient native culture; traditionally nomadic; hundreds of languages British settled Australia as a penal colony starting in Settlers forced Aborigines off the land. Six large colonies developed; became Commonwealth in People are mainly of European ancestry; many Asians began arriving in 1970s. Section 1: Australia History and Culture

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Most people live in southeastern coastal cities. Religion—Mostly Christian; Aborigine beliefs; immigrants have brought other religions Sports and beach activities are popular. There are world-renowned artists and craftsmen. Foods are often a mix of Mediterranean and Asian. Section 1: Australia History and Culture (continued)

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Developed country with a market economy Good transportation and health care Stable democratic government Key economic activities—Services, mining, extensive agriculture (wool), tourism Section 1: Australia Human Systems

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Read to Discover 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? Section 2: New Zealand

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Question What are the physical features of the North and South Islands of New Zealand? Section 2: New Zealand

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Mountains, glaciers, lakes, plains Lowlands North Island South Island Both Islands Section 2: New Zealand Forests, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, hills

World Geography TodayChapter 31 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, bats) Section 2: New Zealand Natural Environments

World Geography TodayChapter 31 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. Section 2: New Zealand History and Culture

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Most people have British ancestors; Maori make up about 10 percent. Population is concentrated along coasts, mainly on North Island and in cities. Outdoor activities and sports are popular; many sheep. Section 2: New Zealand History and Culture (continued)

World Geography TodayChapter 31 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. Section 2: New Zealand New Zealand’s Economy

World Geography TodayChapter 31 Chapter Wrap-Up Understanding the Main Ideas 1. What are some of the reasons Australia is dominated by arid and semiarid climates? 2. What is the pattern of the distribution of major cities in Australia? Why do few people live in the continent’s interior? 3. How have the physical characteristics of New Zealand changed during the last 1,000 years? 4. What are some important characteristics of New Zealand’s market economy? 5. How are the physical and human geography of Australia and New Zealand similar? How are they different?