Trivia in Papua New Guinea

Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country

Oceania / Oceania

National symbols

Flag: A flag divided diagonally between black and red featuring the yellow Southern Cross constellation and bird of paradise (Raggiana)

Papua New Guinea Flag

Emblem: National coat of arms with wings-spread bird of paradise behind crossed ceremonial kundu drum and spears

Papua New Guinea Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • Over 800 languages are spoken, making it the world's most linguistically dense country.
  • Birds of paradise are the national bird; tail feathers are used in wedding and ceremonial headdresses.
  • Part of the capital's electricity is supplied by municipal waste incineration generation.
  • Inter-village exchange trade 'Kula' continues as traditional economic system in island areas.
  • Only the Kuk agricultural site is registered as a World Heritage site.
  • No railways exist within the country; major intercity travel primarily uses aircraft.
  • PNG coffee is a specialty brand valued for mild acidity and chocolate-like sweetness.
  • Bougainville Autonomous Region has a history of limited shell currency circulation.
  • Coastal village stilt raising initiatives progress in preparation for sea level rise.
  • Kokoda Track is a World War II battlefield site visited annually by many memorial hikers.

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