The term Oceania is not an easy one to define, as it is used in a wide range of ways. The term has multiple definitions depending both on the perspectives from which they are conceived (geopolitical, socio-economic, biogeographical, etc.), and on who uses them. However, in order to be as rigorous and accurate as possible, we will provide the different definitions that relevant international organisations, its bodies and agencies give to the term.

 

We have attempted to classify the multiple meanings of “Oceania” according to the perspective from which entities conceive the term. Nonetheless, as one organisation may serve multiple purposes of diverse nature, its conception of the term may hide multiple perspectives. All of this makes the classification, once again, complex and, perhaps, not entirely precise.