The magic of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is an Oceanian country located in the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean north of Australia.

A part from being known for its exceptionally beautiful natural landscapes, Papua New Guinea is also one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. 848 languages are listed for the country, of which 12 have no known living speakers.

In addition, Papua New Guinea is also one of the most rural countries on the planet, having only 18 per cent of its people living in urban centers.

Another important fact about this stunning territory is that it’s the one country that has been the least explored. Indeed, both culturally and geographically Papua New Guinea is a truly mysterious region of the world.

Experts stated that many undiscovered species of plants and animals are thought to exist in the jungles covering the country.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Scientists found traces of human settlements that are around 42,000 – 45,000 years.

Although during the 16^th century Portuguese and Spanish explorers had been to Papua New Guinea, they never settled down there, so the first time the island was actually “discovered” and acknowledged on maps was in the 19th century.

Back then Germany ruled the northern half of the country. From 1884 until early 1900s, the country was called German New Guinea. The southern half, on the other hand, was colonized—in the same year—by the English and it was named British New Guinea.

In 1904 New Guinea was transferred to the newly formed Commonwealth of Australia, which took on its administration.

Today Papua New Guinea Papua is a Commonwealth realm; as such Queen Elizabeth II acts as its Sovereign and Head of State.

INTERESTING FACTS

Capital City: Port Moresby

Official Languages: Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin, English

What to see when there: Mount Hagen, The Sepik River, New Ireland Province, Goroka, Madang Province

T H E   V I D E O

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