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
Micronesia refers to a subregion in Oceania consisting of thousands of small islands scattered across the western Pacific Ocean. It includes countries such as Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Nauru.
Melanesia is yet another subregion in Oceania characterized by its dark-skinned inhabitants and includes countries such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands.
Pacific Islanders: This term refers collectively to the indigenous peoples inhabiting various islands throughout Oceania including Micronesians, Polynesians, and Melanesians.