John Foster
GEO-234
February 2, 2013
Professor Ehland
Geography of the Austral Realm Australia and New Zealand distinct geological differences, Australia has a basically flat topography with no real substantial mountains areas and is geologically stable, New Zealand’s two main islands are mountainous and have a rugged terrain, they are also susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic activity. The cultural differences between these two countries are tied to the geography but also to the first European settlers. Australia was founded to be a penal colony by the British and New Zealand was founded to be a religious colony thus giving the early settlers a mindset that each has carried through the generations (convictcreations.com). Australia’s cultural attributes are those of rugged self-sufficient independent people this is due in large part to the geography and climate of the country. With most of the country being semi-arid and prone to drought the farmers and ranchers developed a tough not to be defeated attitude that is carried on in the present day Australians. The geography and climate is also why the majority of the population lives on the coastal regions. The environment of New Zealand by comparison is heavenly creating a more laid back and easy going culture. It receives high rainfall and has huge rivers fed by the melting of glaciers and has very rich soil that is highly conducive to agriculture. Because of this environment the New Zealanders due not have the same battler culture as their Australian counterparts because the land is more productive and they have reliable rainfall (convictcreations.com). The winters can be hard and it suffers earthquakes but because it climate and geography making a living off of the land is much easier here than in Australia. Indonesia shares a maritime border with Australia and is its largest neighbor and is