The South Pacific has enjoyed a reputation as an untouched paradise ever since the 18th century when European explorers returned home with romantic tales about the islands and their people. It is a vast region, known as Oceania and defined geographically  into three major regions: Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia and enjoys a well deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful places on earth. No one knows for sure but it is estimated that there are between 20,000 and 30,000 islands in Oceania. Even though the islands are separated by great ocean distances, there are many similarities in cultures. The first colonizers of the South Pacific arrived in New Guinea from Southeast Asia  over 50,000 years ago and since that time  have spread throughout the region.

There is a wealth of information on the internet about the South Pacific, its history, cultures and geography,  and rather than present in depth information here, links to relevant, interesting and resource rich websites are provided.

Melanesia
Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and  Vanuatu
 

Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, Northern Mariana Islands,  Marshall Islands, Nauru and Palau

Polynesia
American Samoa, Easter Island, French Polynesia, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, The Cook Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Wallis & Futuna