Autonomous Region of Bougainville

The territory spans across Bougainville Island, Buka Island, and several outlying islands in the Solomon Sea, covering 9,300 square kilometers of land area.

Following a decade-long civil war from 1988 to 1998, the region established autonomous governance through a peace agreement signed in 2000.

The territory maintains 33 Catholic parishes serving its population, while featuring the upe headdress as a traditional symbol on its flag and emblem.

The regional capital of Buka functions as the administrative center, managing local governance and coordinating economic development initiatives across the islands.

A 2019 referendum revealed that 98.31 percent of voters supported complete independence from Papua New Guinea, marking a significant step toward potential sovereignty.

Location: Papua New Guinea

Inception: 2004

Capital city: Buka

GPS coordinates: -6.00000,155.00000

Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:36