Country	Papua New Guinea
Capital	Port Moresby
Continent	Asia
Currency	Papua New Guinean Kina(PGK)
Languages	Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin & English

Locaion

Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Geographic Co ordinates

6 00 S, 147 00 E

Land Boundries

Total:820 km
Border countries:Indonesia 820 km

Geography - note

shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast

Population

6,064,515 (July 2010 est.)
Country comparison to the world:105

Nationality

Noun:Papua New Guinean(s)
Adjective:Papua New Guinean

Ethnic groups

Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Religions

Roman Catholic 27%, Evangelical Lutheran 19.5%, United Church 11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, Pentecostal 8.6%, Evangelical Alliance 5.2%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.5%, other Protestant 8.9%, Bahai 0.3%, indigenous beliefs and other 3.3% (2000 census)

Languages

Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu are official languages; some 860 indigenous languages spoken (over one-tenth of the world's total)
note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2%

Country Name

Conventional long form:Independent State of Papua New Guinea
Conventional short form:Papua New Guinea
Local short form:Papuaniugin
Former:Territory of Papua and New Guinea
abbreviation: PNG

Government Type

constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital

Name:Port Moresby
Geographic coordinates:9 30 S, 147 10 E
Time difference:UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions

18 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1 district**; Bougainville*, Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital**, New Ireland, Northern, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain

Independence

16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Constitution

16 September 1975

Legal system

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch

Chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by governor general Sir Paulias MATANE (since 29 June 2004)
Head of government:Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2 August 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Puka TEMU (since 29 August 2007)
Cabinet:National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:the monarchy is hereditary; the governor general nominated by parliament and appointed by the chief of state; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general acting in accordance with a decision of the parliament

Legislative branch

unicameral National Parliament (109 seats, 89 filled from open electorates and 20 from provinces and national capital district; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); constitution allows up to 126 seats
Elections:last held from 30 June to 10 July 2007; next to be held in June 2012
Election results:percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA 27, PNGP 8, PAP 6, URP 6, PANGU PATI 5, PDM 5, independents 19, others 33; note - election to 1 seat was nullified
note: 15 other parties won 4 or fewer seats; association with political parties is fluid

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive Council after consultation with the minister responsible for justice; other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission)

Political Parties and Leaders

National Alliance Party or NA [Michael SOMARE]; Papua and Niugini Union Party or PANGU PATI [Andrew KUMBAKOR]; Papua New Guinea Party or PNGP [Sir Mekere MORAUTA]; People's Action Party or PAP [Gabriel KAPRIS]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Michael OGIO]; United Resources Party or URP [William DUMA]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Ahora [Andrew MAMOKO] (represents local tribes); Centre for Environment Law and Community Rights or Celcor [Damien ASE]; Community Coalition Against Corruption

International organization participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US

Chief of mission:Ambassador Evan Jeremy PAKI
Chancery:1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone:[1] (202) 745-3680
FAX:[1] (202) 745-3679

Diplomatic representation from the US

Chief of mission:Ambassador Teddy B. TAYLOR
Embassy:Douglas Street, Port Moresby, N.C.D.
Mailing address:4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State, Washington DC 20521-4240
Telephone:[675] 321-1455
FAX:[675] 321-3423

Flag description

divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered

Video

View Larger Map

Government - Government - Papua New Guinea Prime Minister - Papua New Guinea
                              Ministry Of Education
Newspapers -  Post-Courier The National WN PNG Times
Tourism -         Ministry Of Tourism

Google News

World War II ace pilot Richard Bong’s missing fighter plane “Marge” found deep in Papua New Guinea Jungle - The Times of IndiaWorld War II ace pilot Richard Bong’s missing fighter plane “Marge” found deep in Papua New Guinea Jungle  The Times of India INDIAN NAVY WARSHIP VISITS PORT MORESBY TO JOIN PAPUA NEW GUINEA'S 50TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS - PIBINDIAN NAVY WARSHIP VISITS PORT MORESBY TO JOIN PAPUA NEW GUINEA'S 50TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS  PIB PLAN hospital ship Silk Road Ark arrives in Papua New Guinea - China Military OnlinePLAN hospital ship Silk Road Ark arrives in Papua New Guinea  China Military Online Kalapai strike sends Papua New Guinea into FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers final - Oceania Football ConfederationKalapai strike sends Papua New Guinea into FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers final  Oceania Football Confederation Supporting the Response to Tropical Cyclone Maila - Australian Minister for Foreign AffairsSupporting the Response to Tropical Cyclone Maila  Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs India, Papua New Guinea discuss ways to further enhance bilateral ties - The HinduIndia, Papua New Guinea discuss ways to further enhance bilateral ties  The Hindu Cyclone Maila to hit Papua New Guinea as Category 2 storm - News.azCyclone Maila to hit Papua New Guinea as Category 2 storm  News.az Papua New Guinea v Kuwait | Match Highlights | ICC CWC Challenge League A - ICCPapua New Guinea v Kuwait | Match Highlights | ICC CWC Challenge League A  ICC Women Forging New Futures in Papua New Guinea - International Finance Corporation (IFC)Women Forging New Futures in Papua New Guinea  International Finance Corporation (IFC) UN chief hails ‘remarkable example’ of Papua New Guinea as he concludes historic trip - Welcome to the United NationsUN chief hails ‘remarkable example’ of Papua New Guinea as he concludes historic trip  Welcome to the United Nations Congregation of Holy Cross lives missionary revival through new mission - Vatican NewsCongregation of Holy Cross lives missionary revival through new mission  Vatican News Taking locally led climate and security actions seriously in Papua New Guinea - ODI: Think changeTaking locally led climate and security actions seriously in Papua New Guinea  ODI: Think change Papua New Guinea Public Finance Review 2026 - World BankPapua New Guinea Public Finance Review 2026  World Bank Cyclone Maila moves over Solomon sea, expected to hit parts of Australia's Queensland | World News - Hindustan TimesCyclone Maila moves over Solomon sea, expected to hit parts of Australia's Queensland | World News  Hindustan Times Toxic Ocean Crisis in Papua New Guinea Sparks Mass Marine Die-Off and Public Health Emergency - Inside Climate NewsToxic Ocean Crisis in Papua New Guinea Sparks Mass Marine Die-Off and Public Health Emergency  Inside Climate News Papua New Guinea’s journey toward universal ID: How SevisPass and SevisWallet are building a more inclusive future - GovInsiderPapua New Guinea’s journey toward universal ID: How SevisPass and SevisWallet are building a more inclusive future  GovInsider DPAA Mission 25-4 clears brush in Papua New Guinea [Image 13 of 25] - DVIDSDPAA Mission 25-4 clears brush in Papua New Guinea [Image 13 of 25]  DVIDS Cyclone Maila nears Papua New Guinea coast - News.azCyclone Maila nears Papua New Guinea coast  News.az Papua New Guinea - Welcome to the United NationsPapua New Guinea  Welcome to the United Nations Papua New Guinea launches Team PNG Unleashed - Inside The GamesPapua New Guinea launches Team PNG Unleashed  Inside The Games Papua New Guinea’s democracy at 50 - East Asia ForumPapua New Guinea’s democracy at 50  East Asia Forum The Centre for Species Survival Papua New Guinea is established as the first in the Pacific Islands in partnership with Port Moresby Nature Park - International Union for Conservation of NatureThe Centre for Species Survival Papua New Guinea is established as the first in the Pacific Islands in partnership with Port Moresby Nature Park  International Union for Conservation of Nature In Papua New Guinea, Young Chinese Migrants Begin a Quiet Second Act - Sixth ToneIn Papua New Guinea, Young Chinese Migrants Begin a Quiet Second Act  Sixth Tone Papua New Guinea offers cash for guns as amnesty opens to combat escalating tribal violence - The GuardianPapua New Guinea offers cash for guns as amnesty opens to combat escalating tribal violence  The Guardian Banks decline to finance LNG project in Papua New Guinea - MongabayBanks decline to finance LNG project in Papua New Guinea  Mongabay IHG introduces a new era of luxury hospitality in Papua New Guinea with InterContinental Port Moresby - InterContinental Hotels Group PLCIHG introduces a new era of luxury hospitality in Papua New Guinea with InterContinental Port Moresby  InterContinental Hotels Group PLC ‘Magical place’: tourists see another side of Papua New Guinea’s most troubled region - The Guardian‘Magical place’: tourists see another side of Papua New Guinea’s most troubled region  The Guardian James Cameron Says a Trip to Papua New Guinea Inspired Part of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' - Condé Nast TravelerJames Cameron Says a Trip to Papua New Guinea Inspired Part of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'  Condé Nast Traveler TC Maila downgraded to a tropical low - RNZTC Maila downgraded to a tropical low  RNZ Australia pledges cyclone aid to Pacific neighbours - EWNAustralia pledges cyclone aid to Pacific neighbours  EWN Papua New Guinea considers age restrictions on social media amid fears voices will be ‘silenced’ - The GuardianPapua New Guinea considers age restrictions on social media amid fears voices will be ‘silenced’  The Guardian Guterres hails Papua New Guinea as an example of diversity, dialogue and climate action - UN NewsGuterres hails Papua New Guinea as an example of diversity, dialogue and climate action  UN News Roads destroyed as slow-moving TC Maila batters the Pacific on its way to Qld - Australian Broadcasting CorporationRoads destroyed as slow-moving TC Maila batters the Pacific on its way to Qld  Australian Broadcasting Corporation Two Nations, One Front: Indonesia and Papua New Guinea forge a One-Island approach to fight persistent malaria on New Guinea - NatureTwo Nations, One Front: Indonesia and Papua New Guinea forge a One-Island approach to fight persistent malaria on New Guinea  Nature Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila tracks toward Papua New Guinea and Queensland, Australia - The Watchers - Watching the world evolve and transformSevere Tropical Cyclone Maila tracks toward Papua New Guinea and Queensland, Australia  The Watchers - Watching the world evolve and transform 7 winning strategies for successful construction in Papua New Guinea - Wood Group7 winning strategies for successful construction in Papua New Guinea  Wood Group Football: PNG edge American Samoa to set up World Cup qualifier final with New Zealand - Pacific Media NetworkFootball: PNG edge American Samoa to set up World Cup qualifier final with New Zealand  Pacific Media Network Australia signs key defence deal with Papua New Guinea - BBCAustralia signs key defence deal with Papua New Guinea  BBC Mystery marine die-off triggers health crisis in Papua New Guinea - Oceanographic MagazineMystery marine die-off triggers health crisis in Papua New Guinea  Oceanographic Magazine Candidate numbers and electoral outcomes in Papua New Guinea - Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy CentreCandidate numbers and electoral outcomes in Papua New Guinea  Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre Papua New Guinea Parliament Holds First inquiry on Children & Youth - UnicefPapua New Guinea Parliament Holds First inquiry on Children & Youth  Unicef Papua New Guinea Unites Against Antimicrobial Resistance at the 7th National AMR Symposium - World Health Organization (WHO)Papua New Guinea Unites Against Antimicrobial Resistance at the 7th National AMR Symposium  World Health Organization (WHO) The women breaking the cycle of violence in Papua New Guinea - The GuardianThe women breaking the cycle of violence in Papua New Guinea  The Guardian China issues warning to Papua New Guinea over defence deal with Australia - The GuardianChina issues warning to Papua New Guinea over defence deal with Australia  The Guardian Papua New Guinea - The Nature ConservancyPapua New Guinea  The Nature Conservancy ADAM - Tropical Cyclone Maila: Wind Dashboard (9 Apr 2026) - ReliefWebADAM - Tropical Cyclone Maila: Wind Dashboard (9 Apr 2026)  ReliefWeb ‘We dreamed of a better future’: remembering the first moments of Papua New Guinea in 1975 - The Guardian‘We dreamed of a better future’: remembering the first moments of Papua New Guinea in 1975  The Guardian Historic Investment in Education to Transform Early Learning for Over 375,000 Children in Papua New Guinea - World BankHistoric Investment in Education to Transform Early Learning for Over 375,000 Children in Papua New Guinea  World Bank Papua New Guinea has played an important role in Australian history – it’s time we acknowledged that - The ConversationPapua New Guinea has played an important role in Australian history – it’s time we acknowledged that  The Conversation Papua New Guinea: Humanitarian Snapshot (As of 26 March 2026) - ReliefWebPapua New Guinea: Humanitarian Snapshot (As of 26 March 2026)  ReliefWeb Papua New Guinea Embraces Digital Health - World BankPapua New Guinea Embraces Digital Health  World Bank Column: In Papua New Guinea, the time machine is on perennial pause - newtonbeacon.orgColumn: In Papua New Guinea, the time machine is on perennial pause  newtonbeacon.org UNDP Supports Papua New Guinea in Developing Its Third National Climate Pledge - UNDPUNDP Supports Papua New Guinea in Developing Its Third National Climate Pledge  UNDP Tropical Cyclone Maila Update Today (April 9): Two Cyclones Active In The South Pacific, One Between Papua New Guinea And The Solomon Islands, May Hit Queensland By Monday - NewsXTropical Cyclone Maila Update Today (April 9): Two Cyclones Active In The South Pacific, One Between Papua New Guinea And The Solomon Islands, May Hit Queensland By Monday  NewsX Strengthening Medicine Quality Assurance: Papua New Guinea Hosts Post-Market Surveillance Workshop - World Health Organization (WHO)Strengthening Medicine Quality Assurance: Papua New Guinea Hosts Post-Market Surveillance Workshop  World Health Organization (WHO) Weathering the storm - UnicefWeathering the storm  Unicef Tropical Cyclone Maila weakens into tropical low, days from Qld coast - Australian Broadcasting CorporationTropical Cyclone Maila weakens into tropical low, days from Qld coast  Australian Broadcasting Corporation Magnitude 5.58 earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea, GFZ says - ReutersMagnitude 5.58 earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea, GFZ says  Reuters Papua New Guinea: Journalist assaulted by correctional service officers - International Federation of Journalists - IFJPapua New Guinea: Journalist assaulted by correctional service officers  International Federation of Journalists - IFJ Papua New Guinea cabinet signs landmark defence treaty with Australia - Al JazeeraPapua New Guinea cabinet signs landmark defence treaty with Australia  Al Jazeera Number of deaths per 1,000 inhabitants in Papua New Guinea from 1960 to 2023 - StatistaNumber of deaths per 1,000 inhabitants in Papua New Guinea from 1960 to 2023  Statista Visit of State Minister MIYAJI to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea - mofa.go.jpVisit of State Minister MIYAJI to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea  mofa.go.jp Catching rain and changing lives in Papua New Guinea - World VisionCatching rain and changing lives in Papua New Guinea  World Vision PNG Defence Minister steps aside amid recruitment controversy - RNZPNG Defence Minister steps aside amid recruitment controversy  RNZ Australia and Papua New Guinea: A century of scientific partnership - Geoscience AustraliaAustralia and Papua New Guinea: A century of scientific partnership  Geoscience Australia In photos: Ronan and Storm Keating in Papua New Guinea - UNICEF AustraliaIn photos: Ronan and Storm Keating in Papua New Guinea  UNICEF Australia CYCLONE MAILA WEAKENS; GOVERNMENT READY TO PROVIDE RELIEF - emtv onlineCYCLONE MAILA WEAKENS; GOVERNMENT READY TO PROVIDE RELIEF  emtv online At 50, Papua New Guinea deserves a more complete story - Lowy InstituteAt 50, Papua New Guinea deserves a more complete story  Lowy Institute Shared History, Shared Future: the next 50 years of Australia–Papua New Guinea relations - Lowy InstituteShared History, Shared Future: the next 50 years of Australia–Papua New Guinea relations  Lowy Institute ADAM - Tropical Cyclone Maila: 5 Days Precipitation Forecast - 9 Apr to 13 Apr (9 Apr 2026) - ReliefWebADAM - Tropical Cyclone Maila: 5 Days Precipitation Forecast - 9 Apr to 13 Apr (9 Apr 2026)  ReliefWeb Powering Lives in Papua New Guinea - UNDPPowering Lives in Papua New Guinea  UNDP Solomon Islands vs Papua New Guinea - Group Phase - FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025 - FIBA BasketballSolomon Islands vs Papua New Guinea - Group Phase - FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025  FIBA Basketball Papua New Guinea receives funds to continue bringing spirit of Laudato si’ to life - Vatican NewsPapua New Guinea receives funds to continue bringing spirit of Laudato si’ to life  Vatican News Building a nation: Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence - The GuardianBuilding a nation: Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence  The Guardian Ferns take another step to qualifying for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup - Friends of FootballFerns take another step to qualifying for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup  Friends of Football Mobilizing Papua New Guinea’s Energy Sector to lead the transition toward a low-carbon future - UNDPMobilizing Papua New Guinea’s Energy Sector to lead the transition toward a low-carbon future  UNDP Programme launched to support biodiversity finance in Papua New Guinea - UNDPProgramme launched to support biodiversity finance in Papua New Guinea  UNDP The 25 countries with the shortest populations, ranked - Business InsiderThe 25 countries with the shortest populations, ranked  Business Insider NZ pulls plug on $6.7m power project in Papua New Guinea amid tribal violence - RNZNZ pulls plug on $6.7m power project in Papua New Guinea amid tribal violence  RNZ UND, Papua New Guinea sign STEM education partnership - University of North DakotaUND, Papua New Guinea sign STEM education partnership  University of North Dakota US Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General Visits Papua New Guinea to Strengthen Bilateral Defense Cooperation - pacom.milUS Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General Visits Papua New Guinea to Strengthen Bilateral Defense Cooperation  pacom.mil Who are the Papua New Guineans? New DNA study reveals stunning origins - ScienceDailyWho are the Papua New Guineans? New DNA study reveals stunning origins  ScienceDaily Cyclone Maila destroys critical food gardens in remote PNG Islands - Australian Broadcasting CorporationCyclone Maila destroys critical food gardens in remote PNG Islands  Australian Broadcasting Corporation WHO and Papua New Guinea Reaffirm Commitment to Ending NTD’s at 76th RCM. - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO and Papua New Guinea Reaffirm Commitment to Ending NTD’s at 76th RCM.  World Health Organization (WHO) PNG Defence Minister steps down over new recruit video controversy - Australian Broadcasting CorporationPNG Defence Minister steps down over new recruit video controversy  Australian Broadcasting Corporation The Duke of Edinburgh visits Papua New Guinea - The Royal FamilyThe Duke of Edinburgh visits Papua New Guinea  The Royal Family UN Secretary-General's visit to Papua New Guinea - EEASUN Secretary-General's visit to Papua New Guinea  EEAS Papua New Guinea’s workers abroad are an untapped resource - Lowy InstitutePapua New Guinea’s workers abroad are an untapped resource  Lowy Institute Papua New Guinea Advances Medicines Regulatory Reform with Technical Review Workshop - World Health Organization (WHO)Papua New Guinea Advances Medicines Regulatory Reform with Technical Review Workshop  World Health Organization (WHO) Change of British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea: Paul Eastwood - GOV.UKChange of British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea: Paul Eastwood  GOV.UK Unwanted births and fertility in Papua New Guinea - Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy CentreUnwanted births and fertility in Papua New Guinea  Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre Papua New Guinea and Partners Announce over $12 Million Partnership to Drive Education Reforms and Boost Learning Outcomes - UnicefPapua New Guinea and Partners Announce over $12 Million Partnership to Drive Education Reforms and Boost Learning Outcomes  Unicef Cyclone Maila already affecting PNG's Island communities - Australian Broadcasting CorporationCyclone Maila already affecting PNG's Island communities  Australian Broadcasting Corporation Strait of Hormuz closure and its implications for PNG: Part 1 - The National | Your Number One Daily!Strait of Hormuz closure and its implications for PNG: Part 1  The National | Your Number One Daily! Papua New Guinea at 50 – a reflection - Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy CentrePapua New Guinea at 50 – a reflection  Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre How Papua New Guinea is rewriting Pacific education partnerships with China and more - Lowy InstituteHow Papua New Guinea is rewriting Pacific education partnerships with China and more  Lowy Institute Japan - Papua New Guinea Summit Meeting - mofa.go.jpJapan - Papua New Guinea Summit Meeting  mofa.go.jp Papua New Guinea Launches Health Partnership with Australia and WHO - World Health Organization (WHO)Papua New Guinea Launches Health Partnership with Australia and WHO  World Health Organization (WHO) Australia, Papua New Guinea and China: The Strategic Pivot in the Pacific - Geopolitical FuturesAustralia, Papua New Guinea and China: The Strategic Pivot in the Pacific  Geopolitical Futures Cyclone Maila down to Category 4 but warnings remain - RNZCyclone Maila down to Category 4 but warnings remain  RNZ