Papua New Guinea: A Land of A Million Different Journeys

Introduction

Papua New Guinea, officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania that comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea. It is the largest country in the South Pacific and the third-largest island in the world. Papua New Guinea is a land of great diversity, with over 800 languages spoken and a wide range of cultures and traditions.

Geography and History

Papua New Guinea is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, just north of Australia. It is bordered by Indonesia to the west and the Solomon Islands to the east. The country has a total land area of 462,840 square kilometers, making it the 54th largest country in the world. Papua New Guinea was first settled by humans around 40,000 years ago. The first Europeans to arrive in the country were Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. The country was later colonized by the Dutch, Germans, and British. Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975.

Tourism

Papua New Guinea is a popular tourist destination, with over 1 million visitors each year. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its mountains, rainforests, and coral reefs. Papua New Guinea is also home to a number of unique cultural attractions, such as the Sepik River Festival and the Hiri Moale Festival.

Things to Do in Papua New Guinea

There are a number of things to do in Papua New Guinea, including: * Hiking in the mountains * Visiting the rainforests * Snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs * Attending a cultural festival * Learning about the country's history

Getting to Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is accessible by air and sea. The country's main airport is Port Moresby International Airport. There are also a number of smaller airports located around the country. Papua New Guinea can also be reached by boat from Australia, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands.