Papua New Guinea

Melanesia

Papua New Guinea is a country in Melanesia, home to 10.6 million people, with an area of 462,840 km². Its capital is Port Moresby.

Capital: Port Moresby
Population: 10.6 million
Area: 462,840 km²
Region: Melanesia
Density: 22.9 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Papua New Guinea · Melanesia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Papua New Guinea is known for

Papua New Guinea is best known for Kokoda Track, Tavurvur Volcano and Sepik River.

Papua New Guinea is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, north of Australia. It is known for its rugged terrain, dense rainforests, and unique tribal cultures.

Papua New Guinea at a glance

Language: Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu are the official languages, with over 800 indigenous languages also spoken
Currency: Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion in Papua New Guinea, with traditional beliefs also practiced in some areas
National dish: The cuisine of Papua New Guinea is diverse and includes dishes such as taro, sweet potato, sago, and seafood
Climate: Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate, with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year
Main industries: Mining, petroleum, agriculture, forestry, and fishing
GDP: $25.7 billion (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development: Papua New Guinea is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 153 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Papua New Guinea

Some of the main tourist attractions in Papua New Guinea include:

Kokoda Track a historic trail that runs through the mountains and jungles of Papua New Guinea and is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful scenery.
Tavurvur Volcano an active volcano located near Rabaul that is known for its frequent eruptions and stunning views.
Sepik River a large river that runs through the northern part of Papua New Guinea, known for its unique tribal cultures and art.
Port Moresby Nature Park a wildlife park in the capital city that is home to a variety of native animals, including birds of paradise, tree kangaroos, and cassowaries.
Milne Bay a province located in the southeastern part of Papua New Guinea, known for its beautiful coral reefs and World War II history.
Mount Wilhelm the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea, known for its challenging hiking trails and stunning views.
National Parliament House a modern building in Port Moresby that houses the country's national parliament and is known for its unique design and architecture.
Alotau the capital of Milne Bay province, known for its beautiful beaches, traditional dances, and local handicrafts.
Bomana War Cemetery a World War II cemetery located near Port Moresby that is home to the graves of over 3,000 soldiers.
Lae the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea, known for its bustling markets, museums, and cultural festivals.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Papua New Guinea has to offer. The country's unique cultures, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife make it a fascinating destination for adventurous travelers.

Papua New Guinea in pictures

Papua New Guinea on video

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Papua New Guinea compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Melanesia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Papua New Guinea	10.6 million	462,840 km²	Port Moresby
Fiji	930,000	18,274 km²	Suva
Solomon Islands	820,000	28,896 km²	Honiara
Vanuatu	335,000	12,189 km²	Port Vila