Overview of Papua New Guinea

Profile

The majority of the territory is occupied by tropical rainforest and mountains, with coral reefs spreading along coastal areas. Residents are predominantly Melanesian, divided into over 800 linguistic communities, with vibrant traditional performing arts still alive in daily life. Underground resources such as copper, gold, and liquefied natural gas drive the economy, while many rural villages maintain slash-and-burn and subsistence lifestyles. As a Commonwealth realm with constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, the capital Port Moresby experiences rapid urbanization while mountain and island transportation networks heavily depend on air routes.

Official name: Independent State of Papua New Guinea
Common name: Papua New Guinea
Numeric code: 598
Alpha-3 code: PNG
Alpha-2 code: PG
Population: approximately 10 million (2023)
Population density: approximately 21
Primary languages: English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, Papua New Guinea Sign Language
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic, Protestant denominations)
National anthem: O Arise, All You Sons of This Land
Calling code: +675
Internet TLD: .pg

History

Gained independence in 1975 after Australian rule.

After European arrival in the 16th century, the southern part became a British colony and the northern part German in the late 19th century. After World War I, both regions were placed under Australian administration and became a major battleground during World War II. Integrated as the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in 1949, autonomy was granted in 1973, and peaceful independence as an 'independent state' occurred on September 16, 1975. Subsequently experienced civil conflict including the Bougainville separatist movement, but autonomy has progressed following the 2001 peace agreement.

Geography & climate

Central mountain range traverses the island with deep valleys and wetlands spreading. Coastal areas have coral reefs; island regions feature scattered volcanic islands.

Tropical rainforest climate (highlands have highland savanna)

Area: Oceania / 462840 km²
Capital: Port Moresby
Largest city: Port Moresby
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Murray, Lake Kutubu, Lake Tari
Bordering countries: Indonesia

Natural resources

Gold, Copper, Silver, Oil, Natural gas, Nickel, Cobalt, Wood chips, Palm oil, Coffee, Cocoa, Hydropower resources, Fishery resources, Vanilla, Forests, Manganese, Limestone

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy, Parliamentary democracy (Commonwealth realm)

Economy

Currency: Kina (PGK)

GDP (nominal): 33.38 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 43.14 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, Papua New Guinea Sign Language

Time zone: UTC+10, UTC+11

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Polynesian, Micronesian, Huli people, Kukukuku people, Asaro people, Huli people

Life expectancy

66.0

Literacy rate

approximately 64%

National sports

Rugby league, Rugby union, Soccer, Cricket, Australian football, Netball