East New Britain Province

East New Britain is a province covering the northeastern portion of New Britain island along with the Duke of York Islands, with coastal areas and mountainous terrain. The region comprises several districts with Kokopo serving as the main administrative center.

The province experienced a turning point in 1994 when the Tavurvur volcano erupted and destroyed the then-capital Rabaul. The administrative center was subsequently relocated to Kokopo, where it has remained.

The region is shaped by several Austronesian language communities, with the Tolai speakers forming the largest population group. Visitors hear multiple local languages spoken in villages and markets, woven into daily interactions.

The area relies on local farming and small trading centers, with Kokopo serving as the main base for most visits. Those exploring beyond the capital should be prepared for basic road conditions and limited services in outlying areas.

The Nakanai Mountain Range contains extensive cave systems and deep sinkholes formed through millennia of geological processes. These underground formations shape the landscape in distinctive ways and hold particular interest for geologists and adventurers.

Location: Islands Region

Inception: 1976

Capital city: Kokopo

Shares border with: West New Britain Province

Website: https://enb.gov.pg

GPS coordinates: -5.16667,151.75000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06