Interesting facts about Papua New Guinea Is a great opportunity to learn more about Oceania. The country is located in the Pacific Ocean. A constitutional monarchy operates here, where the Queen of Great Britain acts as the head of state.
We bring to your attention the most interesting facts about Papua New Guinea (not to be confused with the Republic of Guinea).
- Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975.
- The official languages of Papua New Guinea are English, Hiri Motu and Tok Pisin. It should be noted that no more than 1% of the population uses English.
- A large territory of the state is highly saturated with moisture, which makes it difficult for almost any construction.
- An interesting fact is that the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
- Papua New Guinea has few highways, which means that remote parts of the country can only be reached by air or sea.
- There are 18 active volcanoes in the state. Sometimes catastrophic earthquakes happen here.
- Until 2013, a law on witchcraft was in force here, according to which a sorcerer could be sentenced to death.
- Papua New Guinea has a list of certain states whose citizens are unwanted guests. Curiously, Russia is also on this list (see interesting facts about Russia).
- The overwhelming majority of the population of Papua New Guinea leads a "primitive" lifestyle. Only 15% of citizens live in cities.
- Papua New Guinea has over 800 languages, which is 10% of the world's total.
- Did you know that there are about 20,000 plant species growing here?
- Once there was active gold mining, but today all gold deposits have completely exhausted themselves.
- There are still a number of tribes in Papua New Guinea where cannibalism is practiced.
- An interesting fact is that in addition to the main lands, Papua New Guinea owns up to 600 small islands.
- The world famous scientist-traveler Miklouho-Maclay lived for 4 years in a local village with aborigines, researching their way of life, traditions and moral foundations.
- The highest point of the country is Mount Wilhelm - 4509 m.
- Papua New Guinea is home to many swamps that are the cause of the spread of malaria.
- Over the years of its existence, Papua New Guinea managed to be under the control of the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Japan and Australia.