Scientists say they have identified a new continent, and called it Zealandia.
In a new paper, a team of 11 geologists have proposed that a region of the Pacific Ocean east of Australia and containing New Zealand and New Caledonia, be considered a continent.
Geographically speaking, six continents are recognised: Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Eurasia, North America, and South America. Eurasia is the geographical landmass that includes Europe and Asia.
At 4.9 million square kilometres, Zealandia would be Earth's smallest continent.
![Zealandia, according to scientists, includes New Zealand and New Caledonia. Graphic / GSA Today](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NRITRTKMDSXVILZWDC5JMUYXIE.jpg?auth=f6e887cb3e833e16f248130f6d5d61f7b5b6d0fd2b144b4cd68595811d134434&width=16&height=20&quality=70&smart=true)