Coral Reefs & Kangaroos
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do,
Welcome back wanderers and wonder-seekers, to the next leg of the Around the World series. A global journey to help you get familiar with every country, one post and region at a time. This series isn’t just about maps and flags, it’s about expanding perspective, sparking curiosity, and finding the human thread that connects us all.
Today’s chapter, “Coral Reefs & Kangaroos,” marks a meaningful shift. As we wrap up our time in North America and the Caribbean, we set our sights on the Oceanic region. A world of island nations and oceanic wonders. From vast reefs to open seas, these nations breathe the rhythm of the Pacific, reminding us that small places often carry the biggest heartbreaks.
Join me as we visit Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia. Each offering its own story of nature, culture, and resilience.
AUSTRALIA
Official name: The Commonwealth of Australia
Pronunciation: aa-stray-lee-uh
Capital: Canberra
Official language: No official federal language but English is the de facto language
Location: South of Southeast Asia and North of Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea
Most known for: Surfing, Australia Zoo, and dangerous wildlife
Fun fact: Has the world’s largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef
Recent news article: Australia begins enforcing world-first teen social media ban (Byron Kaye and Renju Jose, 2025) - https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/australia-social-media-ban-takes-effect-world-first-2025-12-09/
My knowledge: I am familiar
COOK ISLANDS
Official name: Cook Islands
Pronunciation: kuk ai-luhndz
Capital: Avarua
Official language: English and Cook Island Mãori
Location: Island nation in the South Pacific Ocean between French Polynesia and Samoa in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near French Polynesia, Samoa, and Tonga
Most known for: Its turquoise lagoons
Fun fact: No building is allowed to be bigger than a coconut tree, in order to preserve their natural beauty
Recent news article: Mitiaro upholds Ngaputoru customs in traditional fire-walk welcome (Talaia Mika, 2025) - https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/environment/outer-islands/culture/mitiaro-upholds-ngaputoru-customs-in-traditional-fire-walk-welcome/
My knowledge: Unfamiliar with this one
FIJI
Official name: The Republic of Fiji
Pronunciation: FEE-jee
Capital: Suva
Official language: Fijian, English, Fiji Hindi
Location: In the South Pacific Ocean, Northeast of New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Tonga and Vanuatu
Most known for: Diving/snorkeling
Fun fact: It’s considered disrespectful to wear hats in Fijian villages unless you’re a chief
Recent news article: Restoring Wetlands and Weaving Tradition: How Fijian coastal communities are building climate resilience (Akanisi Caginitoba, Eferemo Kubunavanua, Isoa Koroiwaqa, Jone Tamanitoakula, Mikita Tabua, 2025) - https://www.iisd.org/articles/success-story/restoring-wetlands-in-Fiji-coastal-communities
My knowledge: Familiar of the country, unfamiliar of the history
KIRIBATI
Official name: The Republic of Kiribati
Pronunciation: kee-ruh-bas
Capital: Tarawa
Official language: Gilbertese
Location: In Central Pacific Ocean, located roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia
Surrounding countries: Hawaii and French Polynesia
Most known for: The first country to see the new year
Fun fact: The world’s only country in all four hemisphere’s
Recent news article: A Journey of Resilienc: Ketia’s Story (UNICEF, 2025) - https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/stories/journey-resilience
My knowledge: Mainly the country name and region
MARSHALL ISLANDS
Official name: The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)
Pronunciation: maar-shuhl ai-luhndz
Capital: Majuro
Official language: Marshallese and English
Location: Island nations in Central Pacific Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Micronesia and Nauru
Most known for: Natural beauty and cultural heritage
Fun fact: Home to the world’s largest crab, the Coconut Crab
Recent news article: Take a look at one of the least visited countries in the world: The Marshall Islands (USA Today, 2023) - https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/destinations/2023/08/14/photos-visit-marshall-islands/8325565001/
My knowledge: Not too much other than name and region
MICRONESIA
Official name: Federated States of Micronesia
Pronunciation: mai-krow-nee-zhuh
Capital: Palikir
Official language: English
Location: In the Western Pacific Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Nauru and Solomon Islands
Most known for: Its marine biodiversity and expert seafarers
Fun fact: Ancient stone money called Rai. They are huge, carved stone disks and can sometimes weigh tons
Recent news article: The Journey to Renewable Energy in Micronesia (The Borjen Project, 2025) - https://borgenproject.org/renewable-energy-in-micronesia/
My knowledge: Not quite familiar
As we wrap up “Coral Reefs & Kangaroos,” this chapter reminds us that the vastness of the ocean doesn’t isolate, it connects. From the outback landscapes of Australia to Micronesia, these nations pulse with deep-rooted traditions, environmental beauty, and a rhythm shaped by the sea.
Today’s travel tip? In Oceania, time moves differently. It’s a slower, more intentional pace. Respect it. Embrace the local flow, honor land and sea customs, and remember that presence often speaks louder than plans.
Ready to revisit where it all began or catch up on what you missed? Start here with the the first post in this series, “Just the Beginning” aka your personal itinerary for a journey across every continent.
Have you explored any of these island nations or coastal cultures? I’d love to hear your stories, reflections, or even your dream destinations. The next flight boards soon!
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
