Papua New Guinea
Capital
Port Moresby
Population
~9.9 million
Currency
Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu (official), over 800 indigenous languages
- Religion
- Predominantly Christian, indigenous beliefs often syncretized
- Climate
- Tropical monsoon; hot and humid
Culture & History
Known for: extreme cultural diversity, rainforests, tribal traditions, and bird of paradise
Also famous for: Kokoda Track (WWII site), highlands culture, linguistic diversity, resource wealth (mining, gas)
Food: Mumu (earth oven cooking), Sago, Taro, Kaukau (sweet potato)
Brief History
Colonized by Germany and Britain, administered by Australia, independence 1975, known for rugged terrain and isolated communities