Synopsis Australia and New Zealand constitute a geographic realm by virtue of territorial dimensions, relatives location, and cultural distinctiveness-not population size. Despite their inclusion within a single geographic realm, Australia and New Zealand differ physiographically. Australia is marked by a vast dry, low relief interior; New Zealand is mountainous. Australia and New Zealand are marked by peripheral development- Australia because of its aridity, New Zealand because of its topography The populations of Australia and New Zealand are not only peripherally distributed but also highly clustered in urban agglomerations. Australia and New Zealand lie remote from the places with which they have the strongest cultural ties. In Australia, immigration is changing the ethnic make up. In New Zealand, minority awareness is posing a growing challenge. Australia’s aboriginal population was almost completely submerged by the European invasion, remains numerically small, and participates only slightly in modern society.