Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a country on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most culturally diverse places on Earth. More languages are spoken there than in any other country.

Land and People

About 10 million people live in Papua New Guinea. The capital is Port Moresby. The country has thick rainforests, tall mountains, and active volcanoes. Many tribes live in remote valleys that are hard to reach.

Carved wooden figure made by Sepik people in Papua New Guinea.
Carved wooden figure made by Sepik people in Papua New Guinea. (Hiart / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Over 800 languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea, more than any other country. Many groups still live traditional lifestyles. The Huli Wigmen are famous for their colorful wigs and face paint. Birds of paradise with spectacular feathers live in the forests.

Fun Facts

  • Papua New Guinea has over 800 languages, more than any country on Earth.
  • Many communities in Papua New Guinea were not contacted by the outside world until the 1900s.
  • Papua New Guinea has some of the most beautiful birds of paradise in the world.

Did You Know?

Papua New Guinea has more languages than any other country, over 800! Many communities live in remote mountain valleys separated by thick jungle. Because they were so isolated from each other, each group developed its own language over thousands of years.