World Atlas Papua New Guinea Oceania locator map and information page

Country Details

Description: Papua New Guinea includes the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, the islands of the Bismarck Archipelago, and the island of Bougainville, itself still part (politically) of the Solomon Islands. The central core of the main island is mountainous with deep, green valleys dotted with mysterious and remote villages. There are still no significant cross-country roads from the capital city, and most vital transportation depends on small aircraft and the over 400 isolated airports. Much of the inland population lives in primitive conditions and there are over 700 different languages spoken among the various native tribes. Europeans first arrived in the 16th century and it was later settled by the Germans and British. Long governed by Australia, it gained full independence in 1975.

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Capital City Port Moresby

Languages English, Motu, native dialects

Official Currency Kina

Religions Protestant, Catholic, local beliefs

Population 4,707,000

Land Area 452,860 sq km (174,849 sq miles)

Highest Point Mt. Wilheim (4,509 meters)

Current Date and Time

Maps

Oceania Map here

Papua New Guinea Map, CIA version here

Questions

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CIA detailed Papua New Guinea information here!