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

Unsdg | Secretary-General appoints Shalini Bahuguna of India as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea - United Nations Sustainable Development GroupUnsdg | Secretary-General appoints Shalini Bahuguna of India as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea  United Nations Sustainable Development Group How a powerful cyclone could impact Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands - News.azHow a powerful cyclone could impact Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands  News.az Tropical cyclone warnings issued for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands - thehawk.inTropical cyclone warnings issued for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands  thehawk.in Papua New Guinea’s journey toward universal ID: How SevisPass and SevisWallet are building a more inclusive future - govinsider.asiaPapua New Guinea’s journey toward universal ID: How SevisPass and SevisWallet are building a more inclusive future  govinsider.asia Papua Niugini Tok Pisin Wik – Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language Week - Christchurch City Libraries Nga Kete Wananga o OtautahiPapua Niugini Tok Pisin Wik – Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language Week  Christchurch City Libraries Nga Kete Wananga o Otautahi 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 Chinese Embassy warns against illegal gold mining and smuggling after renewed cases involving Chinese nationals in Papua New Guinea - Global TimesChinese Embassy warns against illegal gold mining and smuggling after renewed cases involving Chinese nationals in Papua New Guinea  Global Times The 31 October 2025 fatal landslide at Kukas, Papua New Guinea - Eos - Science News by AGUThe 31 October 2025 fatal landslide at Kukas, Papua New Guinea  Eos - Science News by AGU 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 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) Papua New Guinea, Features, Government Structure, Latest News - Vajiram & RaviPapua New Guinea, Features, Government Structure, Latest News  Vajiram & Ravi Papua New Guinea Public Finance Review 2026 - World BankPapua New Guinea Public Finance Review 2026  World Bank 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 Nurses Secure Major Victory Through Threat of Nationwide Strike - Public Services InternationalPapua New Guinea Nurses Secure Major Victory Through Threat of Nationwide Strike  Public Services International 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 Guterres hails Papua New Guinea as an example of diversity, dialogue and climate action - Welcome to the United NationsGuterres hails Papua New Guinea as an example of diversity, dialogue and climate action  Welcome to the United Nations Papua New Guinea - Welcome to the United NationsPapua New Guinea  Welcome to the United Nations Papua New Guinea’s democracy at 50 - East Asia ForumPapua New Guinea’s democracy at 50  East Asia Forum ‘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 Banks decline to finance LNG project in Papua New Guinea - MongabayBanks decline to finance LNG project in Papua New Guinea  Mongabay 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 Pacific Business Brief: Fuel fears, Cook Islands credit upgrade, Papua New Guinea mining reform - RNZPacific Business Brief: Fuel fears, Cook Islands credit upgrade, Papua New Guinea mining reform  RNZ 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 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 Anger in Papua New Guinea after Starlink ordered to shut down internet services - The GuardianAnger in Papua New Guinea after Starlink ordered to shut down internet services  The Guardian BSP Financial Group Ltd stock: What you should know for smart investing now - AD HOC NEWSBSP Financial Group Ltd stock: What you should know for smart investing now  AD HOC NEWS Australia and Papua New Guinea: United in addressing HIV - Post CourierAustralia and Papua New Guinea: United in addressing HIV  Post Courier ON THIS DAY IN OUR HISTORY: Better food for a healthier Papua New Guinea - Post CourierON THIS DAY IN OUR HISTORY: Better food for a healthier Papua New Guinea  Post Courier 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 Australia and Papua New Guinea invest in law and justice leadership - Post CourierAustralia and Papua New Guinea invest in law and justice leadership  Post Courier 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 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 7 winning strategies for successful construction in Papua New Guinea - woodplc.com7 winning strategies for successful construction in Papua New Guinea  woodplc.com 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 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 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 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Papua New Guinea - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Papua New Guinea  U.S. Department of State (.gov) Volcanic bubbles in Papua New Guinea a window into coral’s future - Oceanographic MagazineVolcanic bubbles in Papua New Guinea a window into coral’s future  Oceanographic Magazine Severe tropical cyclone Maila brings strong winds and flooding to Bougainville - RNZSevere tropical cyclone Maila brings strong winds and flooding to Bougainville  RNZ Australia signs key defence deal with Papua New Guinea - BBCAustralia signs key defence deal with Papua New Guinea  BBC Improving Vaccine Access and Supply in Papua New Guinea - UnicefImproving Vaccine Access and Supply in Papua New Guinea  Unicef Papua New Guinea Parliament Holds First inquiry on Children & Youth - UnicefPapua New Guinea Parliament Holds First inquiry on Children & Youth  Unicef Newborn survival now the biggest challenge for child health in Papua New Guinea, new UN report shows - UnicefNewborn survival now the biggest challenge for child health in Papua New Guinea, new UN report shows  Unicef 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 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) 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 Cyclones threaten Fiji, Solomon Islands, PNG, even NZ - nit.com.auCyclones threaten Fiji, Solomon Islands, PNG, even NZ  nit.com.au 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 renews anti-corruption commitments - United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimePapua New Guinea renews anti-corruption commitments  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime A liquidity paradox in Papua New Guinea - UNDPA liquidity paradox in Papua New Guinea  UNDP ‘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 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 Embraces Digital Health - World BankPapua New Guinea Embraces Digital Health  World Bank Australia expands support for HIV services in Papua New Guinea - Australian Minister for Foreign AffairsAustralia expands support for HIV services in Papua New Guinea  Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs 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 Weathering the storm - UnicefWeathering the storm  Unicef 2024 Investment Climate Statements: Papua New Guinea - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Investment Climate Statements: Papua New Guinea  U.S. Department of State (.gov) 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) 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 Papua New Guinea cabinet signs landmark defence treaty with Australia - Al JazeeraPapua New Guinea cabinet signs landmark defence treaty with Australia  Al Jazeera Magnitude 5.58 earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea, GFZ says - ReutersMagnitude 5.58 earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea, GFZ says  Reuters Papua New Guinea, partners promote security - Indo-Pacific Defense FORUMPapua New Guinea, partners promote security  Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM ExxonMobil and Papua New Guinea: Growing stronger together - Exxon Mobil Corporation | ExxonMobilExxonMobil and Papua New Guinea: Growing stronger together  Exxon Mobil Corporation | ExxonMobil Australia and Papua New Guinea: A century of scientific partnership - ga.gov.auAustralia and Papua New Guinea: A century of scientific partnership  ga.gov.au 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 NATIONAL TO LIVE AND WORK IN PAKISTAN - emtv onlinePAPUA NEW GUINEA NATIONAL TO LIVE AND WORK IN PAKISTAN  emtv online 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 TC Maila upgraded to a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone - RNZTC Maila upgraded to a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone  RNZ Catching rain and changing lives in Papua New Guinea - World VisionCatching rain and changing lives in Papua New Guinea  World Vision Papua New Guinea: Disaster Management Team Humanitarian Update (As of 28 February 2026) - reliefweb.intPapua New Guinea: Disaster Management Team Humanitarian Update (As of 28 February 2026)  reliefweb.int At 50, Papua New Guinea deserves a more complete story - Lowy InstituteAt 50, Papua New Guinea deserves a more complete story  Lowy Institute 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 Two active Tropical Cyclones in Pacific waters - StuffTwo active Tropical Cyclones in Pacific waters  Stuff In photos: Ronan and Storm Keating in Papua New Guinea - unicef.org.auIn photos: Ronan and Storm Keating in Papua New Guinea  unicef.org.au Australia, Papua New Guinea sign mutual defence treaty - Al JazeeraAustralia, Papua New Guinea sign mutual defence treaty  Al Jazeera Australia, Papua New Guinea sign communique after mutual defence treaty stalls - ReutersAustralia, Papua New Guinea sign communique after mutual defence treaty stalls  Reuters 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 Powering Lives in Papua New Guinea - UNDPPowering Lives in Papua New Guinea  UNDP 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 Two cyclones batter Pacific: Warnings as Maila eyes Qld and Vaianu nears NZ - Pacific Media NetworkTwo cyclones batter Pacific: Warnings as Maila eyes Qld and Vaianu nears NZ  Pacific Media Network Twin cyclones in the South Pacific: how will they impact Australia and New Zealand? - WeatherzoneTwin cyclones in the South Pacific: how will they impact Australia and New Zealand?  Weatherzone Papua New Guinea approves defence treaty with Australia - ReutersPapua New Guinea approves defence treaty with Australia  Reuters Papua New Guinea added to US visa bond list requiring $15000 for travel - RNZPapua New Guinea added to US visa bond list requiring $15000 for travel  RNZ Japan to give disaster-relief machinery to Papua New Guinea - japantimes.co.jpJapan to give disaster-relief machinery to Papua New Guinea  japantimes.co.jp Australia supports Papua New Guinea’s national airline upgrades - Minister for Trade and TourismAustralia supports Papua New Guinea’s national airline upgrades  Minister for Trade and Tourism 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 Programme launched to support biodiversity finance in Papua New Guinea - UNDPProgramme launched to support biodiversity finance in Papua New Guinea  UNDP UND, Papua New Guinea sign STEM education partnership - blogs.und.eduUND, Papua New Guinea sign STEM education partnership  blogs.und.edu ‘Emotional, honoured’: Who this soldier will be thinking of on Anzac Day - NT News‘Emotional, honoured’: Who this soldier will be thinking of on Anzac Day  NT News Tropical Cyclone Warnings Issued For PNG, Solomon Islands - BernamaTropical Cyclone Warnings Issued For PNG, Solomon Islands  Bernama Papua New Guinea launches foreign policy blueprint amid rapid global change - RNZPapua New Guinea launches foreign policy blueprint amid rapid global change  RNZ 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 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) Papua New Guinea’s workers abroad are an untapped resource - Lowy InstitutePapua New Guinea’s workers abroad are an untapped resource  Lowy Institute 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 Papua LNG | ExxonMobil in Papua New Guinea - Exxon Mobil Corporation | ExxonMobilPapua LNG | ExxonMobil in Papua New Guinea  Exxon Mobil Corporation | ExxonMobil 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 Chinese hospital ship enroute - The National | Your Number One Daily!Chinese hospital ship enroute  The National | Your Number One Daily!