Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Melanesia refers to a subregion in Oceania that encompasses the islands of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia. It is characterized by its dark-skinned inhabitants and diverse cultures.
Micronesia is a subregion in Oceania consisting of thousands of small islands scattered across the western Pacific Ocean.
Indigenous Peoples: This term refers to the original inhabitants or native populations of a particular region or country. In Melanesia, there are numerous indigenous groups with distinct languages and customs.