Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of the world's second-largest island, where dense rainforest descends from mist-wrapped highlands to mangrove coasts, and over 800 distinct languages mark the boundaries between valleys.
Overview
Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean just north of Australia, Papua New Guinea shares the island of New Guinea with Indonesia's Papua provinces to the west. The capital, Port Moresby, sits on the southern coast. The country encompasses thousands of offshore islands, including New Britain and Bougainville. The official languages are English, Tok Pisin, and Hiri Motu, and the currency is the Papua New Guinean kina. Traditional clan culture and subsistence agriculture remain central to daily life for much of the rural population.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. A visa-on-arrival facility is available at Jackson's International Airport in Port Moresby for eligible travellers, though conditions vary. Papua New Guinea also operates an eVisa system for certain passport holders. Travellers are strongly advised to consult the official Immigration and Citizenship Authority well before departure, as requirements and processing times can change.
Airports in Papua New Guinea
23 airportsAirlines based in Papua New Guinea
2 airlines
Famous Attractions in Papua New Guinea
The Kokoda Track, a 96-kilometre trail through the Owen Stanley Range, carries deep significance as the site of a pivotal Second World War campaign. The Sepik River, one of the longest in the Pacific region, winds through lowland jungle and is lined with villages renowned for intricate wood carving and ceremonial art. Tufi Fjords on the northern coast offer dramatic drowned river valleys popular with divers. Mount Wilhelm, the country's highest peak at 4,509 metres, draws trekkers seeking highland landscapes. The Goroka Show, held each September, is one of the largest traditional sing-sing festivals on the island.
Weather & Climate
Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate throughout, with consistently high humidity. Coastal lowlands typically sit between 26 °C and 32 °C year-round, while highland areas such as Goroka and Mount Hagen are considerably cooler, averaging 15 °C to 22 °C. A distinct wet season runs roughly November to April in most regions. The drier months of May to October are generally the most practical for travel, particularly for trekking. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing and reliable rain gear are advisable at any time of year.
Interesting Facts About Papua New Guinea
- Home to over 800 distinct living languages.
- Rainforests cover roughly 70 percent of the country.
- Independence from Australia was achieved in 1975.
- Hosts one of the world's most diverse bird-of-paradise populations.
- Kina currency is named after a traditional shell valuable.
Official Resources
- immigration.gov.pg — Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority, visa information
- papuanewguinea.travel — Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
- bom.gov.au/pacific/png — Australian Bureau of Meteorology regional weather guidance for PNG
- pngairways.com — PNG Airways, domestic flight network information