Travel destination Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania that comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands in Melanesia, a region of the southwestern Pacific north of Australia. It shares its only land border with Indonesia to the west and has Australia to the south and the Solomon Islands to the east as its nearest neighbors. The capital, Port Moresby, is located on the south coast of the country.
The country is the third-largest island nation in the world, with an area of 462,840 square kilometers. After being ruled by three external powers since 1883, including almost 60 years of Australian administration during the First World War, Papua New Guinea established its sovereignty in 1975 and became an independent Commonwealth realm with Elizabeth II as queen. Since the death of Elizabeth II in 2022, Charles III has been the country's king. It is also a separate member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Papua New Guinea is also one of the most rural countries, with only 13.25% of its population living in urban centers in 2019. Most people live in traditional communities. Although the government estimated the country's population at 9.4 million, it was reported in December 2022 that the population was actually closer to 17 million.
The islands that make up Papua New Guinea were settled over a period of 40,000 years by a mix of peoples generally referred to as Melanesians. Since the country gained independence in 1975, one of its main challenges has been the difficulty of governing many hundreds of different, once-isolated local societies as a viable single nation.
Papua New Guinea extends from just south of the equator to the Torres Strait, which separates New Guinea from the Cape York Peninsula to the south, the northernmost extension of Australia. The mainland of Papua New Guinea reaches its maximum north-south extent of about 510 miles (820 km) along its western border with Indonesian Papua.
The physical features of Papua New Guinea are diverse. It includes the Owen Stanley Range, the southeastern half of New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago (New Britain, New Ireland, the Admiralty Islands, and several others), Bougainville and Buka (part of the Solomon Island chain), as well as small offshore islands and atolls. The capital, Port Moresby, lies in southeastern New Guinea on the Coral Sea.
Recent news from Papua New Guinea reports concerns about a second landslide disaster and outbreaks of disease at the site of a previous disaster in Papua New Guinea. There are also reports of conflicts related to China's growing influence and the presentation of Papua New Guinean arts and culture at the FestPAC festival.
The economy of Papua New Guinea is based on a mixed economic system, combining traditional village economies with a modern economy primarily reliant on the export of raw materials. Natural resources include gold, copper, silver, natural gas, and petroleum. Agriculture provides a livelihood for 85% of the population. Major export commodities are gold, copper ore, oil, timber, and palm oil.
Papua New Guinea has a young, rapidly growing population, with 37% of the population under 15 years of age. The education system has improved since independence, but many children still do not attend school, and illiteracy rates remain high. The health system is inadequate, and many rural areas lack access to basic health services.
The culture of Papua New Guinea is as diverse as its languages. Cultural practices include "sing-sing" music and dance festivals, "moka" gift-exchange systems, and the famous "Haus Tambaran" or spirit houses. Traditional art encompasses elaborate woodcarvings, woven baskets, and masks. Despite modernization and globalization, many of these traditions remain vibrant and are an integral part of the Papua New Guinean identity.
Overall, Papua New Guinea is a land of contrasts, from its diverse landscapes to its cultural diversity. It faces many challenges, including developing its economy, improving the living conditions of its citizens, and protecting its unique cultures and ecosystems. Yet, despite these challenges, Papua New Guinea remains a fascinating country with a rich history and great potential for the future.
Attractions in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is an Oceanian country renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse culture, and unique wildlife.
Here are some of the most popular attractions in Papua New Guinea:
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Kokoda Track: This hiking trail is one of the toughest in the world and leads through the jungle of the Owen Stanley Range.
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Mount Wilhelm: This mountain is the highest in New Guinea and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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Sepik River: This river is the second longest in New Guinea and is home to a variety of tribes and villages.
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Milne Bay: This bay is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and diving opportunities.
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Tari Valley: This valley is famous for its prehistoric cave paintings.
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Rabaul: This city is the former capital of Papua New Guinea and still houses many historic buildings and monuments.
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Port Moresby: This city is the capital of Papua New Guinea and offers a mix of old and new attractions.
Activities in Papua New Guinea:
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Hiking: Papua New Guinea offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs.
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Diving and Snorkeling: The coral reefs of Papua New Guinea are among the most beautiful in the world and offer a wide variety of marine life.
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Boat Trips: Take a boat trip on the Sepik River and visit the tribes and villages of the region.
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Birdwatching: Papua New Guinea is home to over 700 bird species, including many unique species.
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Surfing: The waves off the coast of Papua New Guinea are ideal for surfing.
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Fishing: In the rivers and lakes of Papua New Guinea, there are a variety of fish to catch.
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Attend a Cultural Festival: Papua New Guinea hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year where you can experience the region's music, dance, and art.
Additional Information:
Papua New Guinea is a country with a rich and diverse culture. Over 800 different languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea.
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The currency of Papua New Guinea is the Kina.
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The best time to visit Papua New Guinea is during the dry season, which lasts from May to October.
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Papua New Guinea is a relatively safe country to travel to, but it is important to be aware of the current safety advisories before your trip. You can find more information about crime in Papua New Guinea HERE!
Recommendation:
Papua New Guinea is a unique and fascinating destination, ideal for travelers seeking something different. If you are looking for adventure, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, then Papua New Guinea is the perfect destination for you.
Destinations Papua New Guinea
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