Oceania (sometimes Oceanica) is a geographical, often geopolitical, region consisting of numerous lands - mostly islands in the Pacific Ocean and vicinity. The exact scope of Oceania is defined variously, with interpretations often including Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and various islands of the Malay Archipelago. Ethnologically, the islands of Oceania are divided into the sub regions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.