Kokopo, city
Kokopo is a port city in East New Britain Province and serves as the administrative and trading hub of the region. The city mixes old German architecture with modern buildings, has an active harbor with cargo ships, and features lively markets where fresh fruit and fish are sold daily.
The city was originally founded by Germans under the name Herbertshöhe and was the administrative center of German New Guinea. After a devastating volcanic eruption near Rabaul in 1994, Kokopo became the new provincial capital and grew rapidly as thousands of people relocated from the destroyed city.
The name Kokopo reflects the colonial era when the city was called Herbertshöhe. Today visitors experience a blend of modern city life and local traditions, where people gather at markets, speak their languages, and celebrate with traditional dances and music at local festivals.
Kokopo is easily accessible via the nearby Tokua Airport, one of Papua New Guinea's largest airports for domestic flights. From there you can rent a car or take a boat to explore the coastal landscapes and nearby villages.
Kokopo is known for efforts to protect spinner dolphins that live in nearby coastal waters and face threats from development. A research project was proposed to study and safeguard these marine animals as the city expands.
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