Papua New Guinea - Country Details

Basic Information

Capital

Port Moresby

Region

Oceania / Melanesia

Population

9,438,848

Area

462,840 km²

Currencies

Papua New Guinean kina (K)

Languages

English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin

About country

Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, and numerous offshore islands. Its history is marked by diverse indigenous cultures and relatively recent colonial influence from Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The country gained independence in 1975, remaining within the Commonwealth. Papua New Guinea boasts incredible biodiversity, including rainforests, coral reefs, and active volcanoes, making it a popular destination for ecotourism. The economy relies heavily on natural resources like minerals, oil, and timber, but faces challenges with infrastructure and development.