Most countries in Oceania gained their independence during the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1960s to the 1980s. Notable examples include Papua New Guinea, which achieved independence from Australia in 1975, and the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, which became independent in 1978. Other nations, such as Samoa and Fiji, gained independence in the 1960s and 1970s, reflecting a broader wave of decolonization across the region.
The Pacific Islands, particularly the Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands, and the Philippines, were the scenes of intense fighting during World War II. Notable battles included the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Mariana Islands. These conflicts were crucial as Allied forces sought to reclaim territory from Japanese occupation and establish strategic positions in the Pacific theater. The fighting often involved brutal combat and significant casualties on both sides.
Catalina Island is part of the eight islands that make up the Channel Islands of California. The other notable islands are Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and San Clemente.
Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania that consists of over a thousand islands scattered across the central and southern Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by its diverse cultures and languages, and includes notable island groups such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and French Polynesia. The islands are predominantly volcanic in origin, with many featuring lush landscapes and unique ecosystems. Polynesia is bounded by the Polynesian Triangle, formed by connecting the points of Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island.
The early Roman Republic was marked by a series of external and internal conflicts. Perhaps the most notable external conflicts included those against the Gauls and Hannibalâ??s Carthaginians.
Chile has over 2,000 islands, with the largest being Chiloé Island. In terms of peninsulas, notable ones in Chile include the Taitao Peninsula and the Brunswick Peninsula.
There are many islands in the Bay of Fundy. Some of the notable ones are Grand Manan Island, Campobello Island, Deer Island, Brier Island and the Five Islands. See the related link for more detail.
Charles Darwin is the most notable person who traveled on the Beagle in the 19th century.
The Galapagos Islands, notable as a site studied by Charles Darwin, are part of Ecuador, although they are about equidistant from northern Peru.
Somalia has several islands scattered along its coastline, primarily in the Indian Ocean. Notable among them are the islands of Socotra, which is technically part of Yemen but geographically close, and the smaller islands like the Bajuni Islands. Overall, there are a handful of significant islands, but the exact number can vary based on definitions and classifications.
Lake Superior has approximately 400 islands. The largest of these is Isle Royale, which is a national park and known for its rugged wilderness and wildlife. Other notable islands include Madeline Island and Beaver Island. The islands vary in size and feature diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
The Pacific Ocean has many small scattered islands that were formed from the tips of extinct volcanoes. These islands, known as volcanic or oceanic islands, include notable examples like the Hawaiian Islands and the Marquesas Islands. They are often characterized by their unique ecosystems and geological formations.