West Papua, Provincial administrative division in eastern Indonesia
Description
West Papua is a province in eastern Indonesia covering the western part of New Guinea and offshore island groups. The terrain ranges from coastal strips through dense rainforest to several inland mountain ranges that stretch across wide areas.
History
The Netherlands claimed the region in the early 19th century and built initial settlements at several coastal locations. The province was officially separated from the larger administrative unit of Papua in 1999 and received its current name in 2007.
Culture
Place names across the province come from the languages of Papua groups who have lived in the mountain valleys and along the coast for thousands of years. Local markets still display bark cloth and wood carvings made using inherited techniques passed down through generations.
Practical
Most larger settlements sit along the coast or river courses, while the interior remains largely undeveloped and often reachable only on foot or by small aircraft. Travelers heading to remote areas should plan for weather-related delays and limited supply options.
Did you know?
Parts of the province lie in a region known to ornithologists for its many bird-of-paradise species found nowhere else on Earth. Several of these bird species perform elaborate courtship dances in the forest canopy that visitors can observe during guided forest walks.
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