Papua New Guinea, Island country in western Pacific Ocean
Description
Papua New Guinea is an island nation in the western Pacific that covers the eastern half of New Guinea island and several hundred smaller islands. The terrain shows steep mountain ranges, active volcanoes, dense rainforest, and coral reefs along the coasts, while rivers serve as transport routes through otherwise hard-to-reach valleys.
History
Europeans explored the region from the 16th century onward, and in the late 19th century German, British, and later Australian administrations divided control over the territory. After World War II, Australia took over and led the country to independence in 1975 through negotiation.
Culture
Residents use bilums, woven string bags, both as practical carrying tools and as heirlooms passed down through families. In many regions, sing-sings still bring together people from different villages who gather in body paint and feathered headdresses to perform songs and share stories.
Practical
Port Moresby serves as the capital and main entry point for international visitors, with the drier months from May to October considered more comfortable for travel. Anyone planning to visit remote areas should arrange permits and local guides in advance.
Did you know?
In remote mountain regions, scientists regularly discover previously unknown plant and animal species, as large parts of the country remain difficult to access. The Baining people on New Britain island perform fire dances at night, with dancers walking barefoot through burning coals.
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Kokoda Track
615.9 km
Mount Wilhelm
87.3 km
Ulawun
788.3 km
Kuk Swamp
14.6 km
Mont Giluwe
56.8 km
Mount Lamington
563.5 km
Hegigio Gorge Pipeline Bridge
145.7 km
Mount Bosavi
188.5 km
Sir John Guise Stadium
529 km
Lae War Cemetery
325 km
Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery
528.2 km
Sir Hubert Murray Stadium
529.6 km
Yonki Dam
201.9 kmEsa'ala Cave
850.6 kmMount Victoria, Papua New Guinea
509.2 km
Ela Beach
530.7 km
Mount Albert Edward, Papua New Guinea
462.4 km
Tonda Wildlife Management Area
475.1 km
YUS Conservation Area
284 km
Dakataua
653.1 kmLae Botanic Gardens
325.2 kmMamo Kananda
212.6 km
Garbuna Group
640.8 km
Waiowa
685.9 kmHohola Mosque
530.2 kmMount Vineuo
772.7 kmBaiyer River Sanctuary
22.2 km
St. Mary's Cathedral, Port Moresby
530.3 km
Central Province
Chimbu Province
Eastern Highlands Province
East New Britain Province
East Sepik Province
Enga Province
Gulf Province
Madang Province
Manus Province
Milne Bay Province
Morobe Province
New Ireland Province
Oro Province
Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Southern Highlands Province
Western Province
Western Highlands Province
West New Britain Province
Sandaun Province
National Capital District
Hela Province
Jiwaka Province
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