General
Information There is information about all of the island countries
in the Pacific Region, starting with a map of the all the islands.
If you click on a country on the map, it will link you to information
on that country.
Migration Patterns A great
map is available that shows the way people are thought to have
initially migrated onto the Pacific Islands. Below the map is
a description of how these migration patterns may have come about
and what evidence they have to support their theory.
Timeline
History A simple timeline depicts the major historical events
of the Pacific Region from 1522-1945. The information on the timeline
is mostly of European or Japanese significance, not the native
peoples of the islands.
Coral Reef Preservation
There is information about the worldwide efforts to protect
the coral reefs, which directly affects the survival of the reefs
in the Pacific Region. This site also discusses the many reasons
why coral reefs are so important to both the environment and to
humans.
Nuclear
Testing There is a discussion of the many consequences for
testing nuclear weapons in one of the Pacific Islands called Maruroa
Atoll, which is part of French Polynesia. Nuclear testing has
been done in and around many of the Pacific Islands, and this
webpage gives us an insight into the types of damage the testing
caused.
Independence
and Dependence The Federated Satates of Micronesia is used
as an example of how the Pacific Islands tend to struggle between
their desire for independence and their reality of dependence
on other countries (ie. Australia and the U.S.) for survival.
Fiji
This is a site about the National Drink of Fiji called Kava.
It produces a numbing effect on the limbs and a euphoric feeling
in general, but it's non-alcoholic.
New
Caledonia The history of New Caledonia is discussed. (Click
on the map to enlarge it.)
Papua
New Guinea There is a poem (if you scroll down a little) about
Australia beating Japan in WWII during a great battle at Papua
New Guinea.
Solomon
Islands This shows the intricate detail involved in writing
a treaty agreement. "The Townsville Peace Agreement"
is available to read. It is a treaty between the Malaita Eagle
Force and the Isatabu Freedom Movement from October 15, 2000.
It's purpose is to restore peace to the Solomon Islands.
Vanuatu There
is an in depth discussion of the cultural aspects of the Vanuatuan
people, as well as pictures.
Guam This site
shows all the different kinds of tropical fish found in the region.
Just click the "catalog viewer" to see pictures.
Fed. States of Micronesia
There are beautiful pictures of the islands and their inhabitants
to view. You can also view other links to geography, history,
government, culture, etc.
Kiribati
There is an interesting narrative about the Kiribati people,
as well as pictures, and a good link to Kiribati migration at
the end.
Marshall Islands
The natives of the Marshall Islands had a traditional way
that they tattoed their people. This was practiced by all natives
before missionaries came to bring Chrstianity to the people, but
is no longer practiced by the majority.
Nauru
Various facts about Nauru are included in this site, as well
as a very nice map of the area.
North Mariana
Islands This site has a very interesting historical account
of Japanese soldiers that did not beleive the war (WWII) was over,
and therefore, did not want to leave the N. Mariana Islands. The
story is titled "The Last Surrender of WWII, June 30, 1951."
Palau
There is a collection of legends about all aspects of life
in Palau that are similar to short fables. They include legends
about fishermen, gods, and bad behavior.
American
Samoa This site provides a way to learn some of the native
language of Samoa. There are some tips on the basics of the Samoan
language, and then words are given in both English and Samoan.
There is also a short description of how the language originated.
Cook Islands On the island
of Tivaivai in the Cook Islands, communal art quilts are made
and this site explains their significance and history. The pictures
of the quilts show their beauty and detail.
French
Polynesia Pearls possess various mythological and religious
significance in the South Pacific, and this is discussed here.
There are also links to other information about pearls as well.
Hawaii
This site provides all kinds of information about the hula,
including terminology, dance steps, attire, and styles.
Niue This
site provides maps, pictures, and information about Niue culture
and history. It includes topics like haircutting and ear piercing,
holidays, and festivals.
Pitcairn
This island is unique in that it has less than 100 inhabitants,
and this site discusses its settlement and colonialization.
Tokelau
islands If you ever wondered about octupus fishing off the
coast of the Tokelau Islands, this is the site for you. The link
takes you to the home page, then just click on the link titled
"fishing for octupus".
Tonga
The human rights of the people of Tonga are listed here in
a U.S. State Department document.
Tuvalu
This is a small site about Tuvalu, but if you read the short
text, you'll see that not much can be said about Tuvalu. The site
is intended for travelers, and the map can be enlarged if you
click on it. It's almost humorous how they describe the island
to travelers.
Wallis and Futuna
Beautiful pictures of the islands and their inhabitants are
located here.
Western
Samoa This site contains more island pictures, as well as
descriptive text, of the culture, homes, food, and lifestyle.
Submitted by Sara Cederstrand on 5-31-01.