Papua, Administrative region in northern New Guinea, Indonesia
Papua is an administrative region along the northern coast of New Guinea that includes several island groups and wide coastal plains reaching up to remote mountain valleys. Rainforest covers much of the land, while small towns and scattered villages dot the coastline.
This territory shifted from Dutch colonial rule to Indonesian administration in 1963 through United Nations mediation. The transition brought deep political changes that remain felt today.
Across coastal settlements and remote valleys, people speak hundreds of different languages, many belonging to the oldest linguistic families on Earth. Traditional ceremonies, dances, and wood carving continue to shape everyday life as communities pass their customs to younger generations.
Travel to remote mountain areas and certain tribal territories requires special permits from local authorities, which should be arranged before arrival. Access often relies on regional airports since many areas are difficult to reach by land.
The territory is home to some of the world's few remaining uncontacted peoples living deep within the rainforest interior. Expeditions have occasionally found traces of isolated communities that deliberately avoid contact with the outside world.
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