Papua New Guinea Map

The map of Papua-New-Guinea clearly defines the exact geographical location of the country. The Papua-New-Guinea map further indicates the important cities and climatic condition of the country.

The country adheres to the parliamentary democratic form of government. Papua New Guinea is sub divided into twenty provinces for convenience of administration. The economy of the country of Papua New Guinea depends on agriculture. The country has a vast reserve of mineral resources.

Papua New Guinea or officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea occupies a major portion of the island of New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean. Bougainville Island and the Bismarck Archipelago are also parts of this country. Australia lies just south of this country. Indonesian West Papua lies to its west. Even in the jet age, Independent State of Papua New Guinea is yet to be fully explored. Oil, gold and copper are its major natural resources. English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu are the official languages of Papua New Guinea.

Papuan, Melanesian, and Negrito tribes were the ancient inhabitants of Papua New Guinea. Portuguese voyagers noticed the country in 1511. British explorers were the first Europeans to establish colony here in 1793. Later, several other countries established settlements here. In 1828 the Netherlands made the western region a part of the Dutch East Indies. Some times later Great Britain captured the southeastern region and Germany claimed the northeastern sector. After several changes in the ruling power, Papua New Guinea finally gained independence in 1975. It became a member of the British Commonwealth. After independence, government of Papua New Guinea locked in bitter civil struggle with Bougainville independence fighters. In 2001, a peace treaty was signed between them.

Papua New Guinea is a democratic country. A constitutional monarchy still has significance here. British Queen Elizabeth II, is the head of the state of Papua New Guinea. A Governor General represents her in the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. A Prime is at the helm of the government of Papua New Guinea. National Parliament is the legislative bench of Papua New Guinea. It consists of 109 members. Current Governor-General is Paulias Matane, while the Prime Minister is Michael Somare. The Supreme Court is the highest judiciary bench of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.



Culture and Heritage
Culture and heritage of Papua New Guinea has been painted by both age old native traditions and modern western culture. Faith in black magic is still a dominant characteristic of native people. Myths are a major part of the isolated tribes. Crocodile is a dominant animal of the myths. Tattooing is common among the tribes. Wooden sculptures, story-boards, masks, figures and skull portraits are famous primitive tribal arts of this country. Sing-sing is a colorful local event of song, dance and ethnic culture.

Tourism
Tourism in Papua New Guinea has been enriched by unspoilt nature and primitive tribal culture. Some major attractions of the country include:

• Kokoda Trail
• Varirata National Park
• Moitaka Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sogeri Plateau
• National Capital Botanical Gardens
• National Museum and Art Gallery
• McAdam National Park
• Balek Wildlife Sanctuary
• Western Highlands Cultural Centre