festivites
Here are some of the major holidays and festivals in Papua New Guinea:
1. Independence Day - September 16th
This holiday commemorates Papua New Guinea's independence from Australian colonial rule in 1975. Celebrations are held throughout the country, with parades, cultural performances, and traditional food.
2. Hiri Moale Festival - September/October
This festival celebrates the traditional trade voyages of the Motu people. The festival includes canoe races, music, dance, and traditional food. It takes place in the National Capital District, which includes Port Moresby and surrounding areas.
3. Goroka Show - September
The Goroka Show is one of the largest cultural festivals in Papua New Guinea. It features traditional dance, music, and costumes from all over the country. The festival takes place in Goroka, a town in the Eastern Highlands Province.
4. Enga Cultural Show - August
The Enga Cultural Show celebrates the culture of the Enga people, who live in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The festival includes traditional dance, music, and costumes, as well as displays of agriculture and handicrafts. It takes place in Wabag, the capital of Enga Province.
5. Christmas - December 25th
Christianity is the dominant religion in Papua New Guinea, so Christmas is widely celebrated. Many people attend church services, and there are also festive meals, gift-giving, and other traditions associated with the holiday.
These are just a few examples of the many holidays and festivals celebrated in Papua New Guinea. Each region and cultural group has its own unique traditions and celebrations.
seasons
Papua New Guinea has two main tourist seasons:
1. Dry season (May to October) - This is the peak tourist season in Papua New Guinea when the weather is dry and sunny. Temperatures are cooler, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and diving. However, this season can be busy, so it's recommended to book accommodations and tours in advance.
2. Wet season (November to April) - This season is characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional cyclones. While this period may not be ideal for outdoor activities, it offers unique experiences such as birdwatching and cultural festivals. It's recommended to bring appropriate rain gear and insect repellent if traveling during this season.
It's important to note that some regions in Papua New Guinea have their own microclimates and may experience different weather patterns throughout the year. It's advisable to check the specific climate of your intended destination before planning your trip.
visa
Some special visa rules for visiting Papua New Guinea include:
1. Visa on Arrival - Citizens of certain countries can get a visa upon arrival in Papua New Guinea. The cost is PGK 100 (approximately USD 30).
2. Pre-Arranged Visa - Citizens of other countries must apply for a visa before arriving in Papua New Guinea. The cost is PGK 450 (approximately USD 135).
3. Work or Business Visa - If you are planning to work or conduct business in Papua New Guinea, you will need to apply for a different type of visa. The cost ranges from PGK 510 to PGK 3,500 (approximately USD 150 to USD 1,050)
4. Transit Visa - If you will be transiting through Papua New Guinea for less than 24 hours, you can apply for a transit visa. The cost is PGK 100 (approximately USD 30).
Please note that these costs are approximate and may vary depending on the exchange rate and other factors. It is also recommended to check with the nearest Papua New Guinea embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and costs.
souvenirs
Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Papua New Guinea are:
1. Bilum bags: handwoven bags made by PNG women, average price ranges from PGK 50 to PGK 200 (USD 15 to USD 60), can be bought at local markets, handicraft centers or souvenir shops.
2. Carvings: intricate wood carvings depicting cultural themes and tribal masks, prices vary depending on size and complexity, can be found at handicraft centers, souvenir shops or markets.
3. Shell jewelry: necklaces, earrings and bracelets made from shells or sea pearls, prices range from PGK 20 to PGK 100 (USD 6 to USD 30), can be purchased at markets or souvenir shops.
4. Tapa cloth: traditional bark cloth with intricate designs, used for clothing, wall hangings or ceremonial purposes, prices vary depending on size and quality, can be found at handicraft centers or markets.
5. Handmade pottery: clay pots and bowls decorated with traditional motifs, prices depend on size and design, can be purchased at handicraft centers or souvenir shops.
It's important to note that prices may differ depending on location and bargaining skills. Also, it is recommended to buy from reputable sources to support local communities and avoid purchasing items made from endangered species.
If you have 1 week
Welcome to Papua New Guinea! As a DAN, I suggest you start your week-long journey by exploring the vibrant city of Port Moresby. Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the country's rich history, culture, and art. Make sure to take your time there, as it's a treasure trove of information that will give you a deeper understanding of PNG's people, landscapes, flora, and fauna.
Day 2: Head out to Varirata National Park, a nature lover's paradise located just outside of Port Moresby. The park is home to over 170 species of birds, including the stunning Raggiana bird-of-paradise. Hiking trails wind through the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
If you have 2 weeks
Hi there! Papua New Guinea is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and unique natural wonders. Here's a suggested two-week itinerary for you:
Week 1:
- Port Moresby: This bustling capital city has a lively cultural scene and plenty of fascinating historical sites to explore, such as the National Parliament and the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery.
- Tari: Tari is home to the Huli people, who still practice their traditional way of life. You can witness their customs and learn about their culture while surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
- Sepik River: The Sepik River is one of the largest rivers in the world, and it's home to many indigenous communities that have preserved their traditional way of life. You can take a boat tour along the river, visiting villages and learning about their customs.
Week 2:
- Rabaul: Rabaul was once a thriving town before a volcanic eruption destroyed much of the area. Today, it's an eerie and fascinating place to visit, with ruins and relics scattered throughout the landscape.
- Kokopo: Kokopo is a charming seaside town located near Rabaul. It has a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches, making it a great place to unwind after exploring the ruins of Rabaul.
- Kavieng: Kavieng is the capital of New Ireland province, known for its pristine beaches and excellent diving opportunities. You can swim among colorful coral reefs and see exotic marine life up close.
Why visit these places? Papua New Guinea is a unique and diverse country with much to offer. By following this itinerary, you'll get to experience the richness of Papua New Guinea's culture and see some of its most breathtaking natural wonders. From bustling cities to remote villages, you'll get a true sense of what makes this country so special.
Culture
It is estimated that more than one thousand cultural groups exist in Papua New Guinea. Because of this diversity, many styles of cultural expression have emerged. Each group has created its own expressive forms in art, dance, weaponry, costumes, singing, music, architecture and much more. Most of these cultural groups have their own language. People typically live in villages that rely on subsistence farming. In some areas people hunt and collect wild plants (such as yam roots and karuka) to supplement their diets. Those who become skilled at hunting, farming and fishing earn a great deal of respect.
Seashells are no longer the currency of Papua New Guinea, as they were in some regions—sea shells were abolished as currency in 1933. This tradition is still present in local customs. In some cultures, to get a bride, a groom must bring a certain number of golden-edged clam shells as a bride price. In other regions, the bride price is paid in lengths of shell money, pigs, cassowaries or cash. Elsewhere, it is brides who traditionally pay a dowry.
People of the highlands engage in colourful local rituals that are called "sing sings." They paint themselves and dress up with feathers, pearls and animal skins to represent birds, trees or mountain spirits. Sometimes an important event, such as a legendary battle, is enacted at such a musical festival.
The country possesses one UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kuk Early Agricultural Site, which was inscribed in 2008. The country, however, has no elements inscribed yet in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, despite having one of the widest array of intangible cultural heritage elements in the world.
Sport is an important part of Papua New Guinean culture, and rugby league is by far the most popular sport. In a nation where communities are far apart and many people live at a minimal subsistence level, rugby league has been described as a replacement for tribal warfare as a way of explaining the local enthusiasm for the game. Many Papua New Guineans have become celebrities by representing their country or playing in an overseas professional league. Even Australian rugby league players who have played in the annual State of Origin series, which is celebrated every year in PNG, are among the most well-known people throughout the nation. State of Origin is a highlight of the year for most Papua New Guineans, although the support is so passionate that many people have died over the years in violent clashes supporting their team. The Papua New Guinea national rugby league team usually plays against the Australian Prime Minister's XIII (a selection of NRL players) each year, normally in Port Moresby.
Although not as popular, Australian rules football is significant in another way, as the national team is ranked second, only after Australia. Other major sports which have a part in the Papua New Guinea sporting landscape are netball, association football, rugby union, basketball and, in eastern Papua, cricket.
Religion
The government and judiciary uphold the constitutional right to freedom of speech, thought, and belief, and no legislation to curb those rights has been adopted. The 2011 census found that 95.6% of citizens identified themselves as Christian, 1.4% were not Christian, and 3.1% gave no answer. Virtually no respondent identified as being nonreligious. Religious syncretism is high, with many citizens combining their Christian faith with some traditional indigenous religious practices. Most Christians in Papua New Guinea are Protestants, constituting roughly 70% of the total population. They are mostly represented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, diverse Pentecostal denominations, the United Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, the Evangelical Alliance Papua New Guinea, and the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea. Apart from Protestants, there is a notable Roman Catholic minority with approximately 25% of the population.
There are approximately 5,000 Muslims in the country. The majority belong to the Sunni group, while a small number are Ahmadi. Non-traditional Christian churches and non-Christian religious groups are active throughout the country. The Papua New Guinea Council of Churches has stated that both Muslim and Confucian missionaries are highly active. Traditional religions are often animist. Some also tend to have elements of veneration of the dead, though generalisation is suspect given the extreme heterogeneity of Melanesian societies. Prevalent among traditional tribes is the belief in masalai, or evil spirits, which are blamed for "poisoning" people, causing calamity and death, and the practice of puripuri (sorcery).
The first Bahá’í in PNG was Violete Hoenke who arrived at Admiralty Island, from Australia, in 1954. The PNG Bahá’í community grew so quickly that in 1969 a National Spiritual Assembly (administrative council) was elected. As of 2020 there are over 30,000 members of the Bahá’í Faith in PNG. In 2012 the decision was made to erect the first Bahá’í House of Worship in PNG. Its design is that of a woven basket, a common feature of all groups and cultures in PNG. It is, therefore, hoped to be a symbol for the entire country. Its nine entrances are inspired by the design of Haus Tambaran (Spirit House). Construction began in Port Moresby in 2018.
Demographics
Papua New Guinea is one of the most heterogeneous nations in the world with an estimated 8.95 million inhabitants as of 2020. There are hundreds of ethnic groups indigenous to Papua New Guinea, the majority being from the group known as Papuans, whose ancestors arrived in the New Guinea region tens of thousands of years ago. The other indigenous peoples are Austronesians, their ancestors having arrived in the region less than four thousand years ago.
There are also numerous people from other parts of the world now resident, including Chinese, Europeans, Australians, Indonesians, Filipinos, Polynesians, and Micronesians (the last four belonging to the Austronesian family). Around 50,000 expatriates, mostly from Australia and China, were living in Papua New Guinea in 1975, but most of these had moved by the 21st century. Data from the World Bank indicates that about 0.3% of the Papua New Guinean population is made up of international migrants as of 2015.
With the National Census deferred during 2020/2021, ostensibly on the grounds of the Covid-19 pandemic, an interim assessment was conducted using satellite imagery. In December 2022, a report by the UN, based upon this survey was conducted with the University of Southampton using satellite imagery and ground-truthing, suggested a new population estimate of 17 million, nearly double the country's official estimate.
According to the CIA World Factbook (2018), Papua New Guinea has the second lowest urban population percentage in the world, with 13.2%, only behind Burundi. The geography and economy of Papua New Guinea are the main factors behind the low percentage. Papua New Guinea has an urbanisation rate of 2.51%, measured as the projected change in urban population from 2015 to 2020.
Papua New Guinea has more languages than any other country, with over 820 indigenous languages, representing 12% of the world's total, but most have fewer than 1,000 speakers. With an average of only 7,000 speakers per language, Papua New Guinea has a greater density of languages than any other nation on earth except Vanuatu. The most widely spoken indigenous language is Enga, with about 200,000 speakers, followed by Melpa and Huli. Indigenous languages are classified into two large groups, Austronesian languages and non-Austronesian, or Papuan, languages. There are four languages in Papua New Guinea with some statutory recognition: English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, and, since 2015, sign language (which in practice means Papua New Guinean Sign Language).
English is the language of government and the education system, but it is not spoken widely. The primary lingua franca of the country is Tok Pisin (commonly known in English as New Guinean Pidgin or Melanesian Pidgin), in which much of the debate in Parliament is conducted, many information campaigns and advertisements are presented, and a national weekly newspaper, Wantok, is published. The only area where Tok Pisin is not prevalent is the southern region of Papua, where people often use the third official language, Hiri Motu. Although it lies in the Papua region, Port Moresby has a highly diverse population which primarily uses Tok Pisin, and to a lesser extent English, with Motu spoken as the indigenous language in outlying villages.
As of 2019, life expectancy in Papua New Guinea at birth was 63 years for men and 67 for women. Government expenditure health in 2014 accounted for 9.5% of total government spending, with total health expenditure equating to 4.3% of GDP. There were five physicians per 100,000 people in the early 2000s. The 2010 maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births for Papua New Guinea was 250. This is compared with 311.9 in 2008 and 476.3 in 1990. The under-5 mortality rate, per 1,000 births is 69 and the neonatal mortality as a percentage of under-5s' mortality is 37. In Papua New Guinea, the number of midwives per 1,000 live births is 1 and the lifetime risk of death for pregnant women is 1 in 94.
The government and judiciary uphold the constitutional right to freedom of speech, thought, and belief, and no legislation to curb those rights has been adopted. The 2011 census found that 95.6% of citizens identified themselves as Christian, 1.4% were not Christian, and 3.1% gave no answer. Virtually no respondent identified as being nonreligious. Religious syncretism is high, with many citizens combining their Christian faith with some traditional indigenous religious practices. Most Christians in Papua New Guinea are Protestants, constituting roughly 70% of the total population. They are mostly represented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, diverse Pentecostal denominations, the United Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, the Evangelical Alliance Papua New Guinea, and the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea. Apart from Protestants, there is a notable Roman Catholic minority with approximately 25% of the population.
There are approximately 5,000 Muslims in the country. The majority belong to the Sunni group, while a small number are Ahmadi. Non-traditional Christian churches and non-Christian religious groups are active throughout the country. The Papua New Guinea Council of Churches has stated that both Muslim and Confucian missionaries are highly active. Traditional religions are often animist. Some also tend to have elements of veneration of the dead, though generalisation is suspect given the extreme heterogeneity of Melanesian societies. Prevalent among traditional tribes is the belief in masalai, or evil spirits, which are blamed for "poisoning" people, causing calamity and death, and the practice of puripuri (sorcery).
The first Bahá’í in PNG was Violete Hoenke who arrived at Admiralty Island, from Australia, in 1954. The PNG Bahá’í community grew so quickly that in 1969 a National Spiritual Assembly (administrative council) was elected. As of 2020 there are over 30,000 members of the Bahá’í Faith in PNG. In 2012 the decision was made to erect the first Bahá’í House of Worship in PNG. Its design is that of a woven basket, a common feature of all groups and cultures in PNG. It is, therefore, hoped to be a symbol for the entire country. Its nine entrances are inspired by the design of Haus Tambaran (Spirit House). Construction began in Port Moresby in 2018.
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