Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Papua New Guinea
CapitalPort Moresby
Population10,762,817
GDP$32.5bn
Area462,840 km²
RegionEast Asia & Pacific
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Papua New Guinea (PNG) occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea; the western half is part of Indonesia. PNG was first settled between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago. Its harsh geography of mountains, jungles, and numerous river valleys kept many of the arriving groups isolated, giving rise to PNG’s ethnic and linguistic diversity. Around 500 B.C., Austronesian voyagers settled along the coast. Spanish and Portuguese explorers periodically visited the island starting in the 1500s, but none made it into the country’s interior. American and British whaling ships frequented the islands off the coast of New Guinea in the mid-1800s. In 1884, Germany declared a protectorate -- and eventually a colony -- over the northern part of what would become PNG and named it German New Guinea; days later the UK followed suit on the southern part and nearby islands and called it Papua. Most of their focus was on the coastal regions, leaving the highlands largely unexplored.
The UK put its colony under Australian administration in 1902 and formalized the act in 1906. At the outbreak of World War I, Australia occupied German New Guinea and continued to rule it after the war as a League of Nations Mandate. The discovery of gold along the Bulolo River in the 1920s led prospectors to venture into the highlands, where they found about 1 million people living in isolated communities. The New Guinea campaign of World War II lasted from January 1942 to the Japanese surrender in August 1945. After the war, Australia combined the two territories and administered PNG as a UN trusteeship. In 1975, PNG gained independence and became a member of the Commonwealth.
Between 1988-1997, a secessionist movement on the island province of Bougainville, located off the eastern PNG coast, fought the PNG Government, resulting in 15,000-20,000 deaths. In 1997, the PNG Government and Bougainville leaders reached a cease-fire and subsequently signed a peace agreement in 2001. The Autonomous Bougainville Government was formally established in 2005. Bougainvilleans voted in favor of independence in a 2019 non-binding referendum. The Bougainville and PNG governments are in the process of negotiating a roadmap for independence, which requires approval by the PNG parliament.
Reference: 2019, 2005, 2001, 1997The UK put its colony under Australian administration in 1902 and formalized the act in 1906. At the outbreak of World War I, Australia occupied German New Guinea and continued to rule it after the war as a League of Nations Mandate. The discovery of gold along the Bulolo River in the 1920s led prospectors to venture into the highlands, where they found about 1 million people living in isolated communities. The New Guinea campaign of World War II lasted from January 1942 to the Japanese surrender in August 1945. After the war, Australia combined the two territories and administered PNG as a UN trusteeship. In 1975, PNG gained independence and became a member of the Commonwealth.
Between 1988-1997, a secessionist movement on the island province of Bougainville, located off the eastern PNG coast, fought the PNG Government, resulting in 15,000-20,000 deaths. In 1997, the PNG Government and Bougainville leaders reached a cease-fire and subsequently signed a peace agreement in 2001. The Autonomous Bougainville Government was formally established in 2005. Bougainvilleans voted in favor of independence in a 2019 non-binding referendum. The Bougainville and PNG governments are in the process of negotiating a roadmap for independence, which requires approval by the PNG parliament.
Geography
Location
Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 462,840 sq km
land: 452,860 sq km
water: 9,980 sq km
land: 452,860 sq km
water: 9,980 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than California
Land boundaries
total: 824 km
border countries: Indonesia 824 km
border countries: Indonesia 824 km
Coastline
5,152 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
note: note: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
note: note: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
Climate
tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation
Terrain
mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills
Elevation
highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 667 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 667 m
Natural resources
gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil, fisheries
Land use
agricultural land: 3.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 75.2% (2023 est.)
other: 21.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 75.2% (2023 est.)
other: 21.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major rivers (by length in km)
Sepik river source and mouth (shared with Indonesia) - 1,126 km; Fly river source and mouth (shared with Indonesia) - 1,050 km
Population distribution
population concentrated in the highlands and eastern coastal areas on the island of New Guinea; predominantly a rural distribution with only about one fifth of the population residing in urban areas
Natural hazards
active volcanism; frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamis
volcanism: severe volcanic activity; Ulawun (2,334 m), one of Papua New Guinea's potentially most dangerous volcanoes, has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Rabaul (688 m) destroyed the city of Rabaul in 1937 and 1994; Lamington erupted in 1951, killing 3,000 people; Manam's 2004 eruption forced the island's abandonment; other historically active volcanoes include Bam, Bagana, Garbuna, Karkar, Langila, Lolobau, Long Island, Pago, St. Andrew Strait, Victory, and Waiowa; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
Reference: 2004, 1994, 1951, 1937volcanism: severe volcanic activity; Ulawun (2,334 m), one of Papua New Guinea's potentially most dangerous volcanoes, has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Rabaul (688 m) destroyed the city of Rabaul in 1937 and 1994; Lamington erupted in 1951, killing 3,000 people; Manam's 2004 eruption forced the island's abandonment; other historically active volcanoes include Bam, Bagana, Garbuna, Karkar, Langila, Lolobau, Long Island, Pago, St. Andrew Strait, Victory, and Waiowa; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
Geography - note
note 1: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; highlands that trend from east to west break up New Guinea into diverse ecoregions; one of world's largest swamps lies along the southwest coast
note 2: Papua New Guinea is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
note 2: Papua New Guinea is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Papua New Guinean(s)
adjective: Papua New Guinean
adjective: Papua New Guinean
Ethnic groups
Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian
Languages
Tok Pisin (official), English (official), Hiri Motu (official), some 839 living indigenous languages are spoken (about 12% of the world's total)
note: note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2%
note: note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2%
Religions
Protestant 64.3% (Evangelical Lutheran 18.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.9%, Pentecostal 10.4%, United Church 10.3%, Evangelical Alliance 5.9%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.8%, Salvation Army 0.4%), Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 5.3%, non-Christian 1.4%, unspecified 3.1% (2011 est.)
note: note: data represent only the citizen population; roughly 0.3% of the population are non-citizens, consisting of Christian 52% (predominantly Roman Catholic), other 10.7% , none 37.3%
Reference: 2011note: note: data represent only the citizen population; roughly 0.3% of the population are non-citizens, consisting of Christian 52% (predominantly Roman Catholic), other 10.7% , none 37.3%
Age structure
0-14 years: 37.1% (male 1,902,272/female 1,825,471)
15-64 years: 58.9% (male 2,991,479/female 2,923,410)
65 years and over: 4% (2024 est.) (male 198,511/female 205,090)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 58.9% (male 2,991,479/female 2,923,410)
65 years and over: 4% (2024 est.) (male 198,511/female 205,090)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 69.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 63 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 14.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 63 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 14.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 21.7 years (2024 est.)
male: 21.6 years
female: 21.9 years
Reference: 2024male: 21.6 years
female: 21.9 years
Population growth rate
2.26% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
28.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
population concentrated in the highlands and eastern coastal areas on the island of New Guinea; predominantly a rural distribution with only about one fifth of the population residing in urban areas
Major urban areas - population
410,000 PORT MORESBY (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.9 years (2016/18)
note: note: data represents median age a first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2016note: note: data represents median age a first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
189 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.85 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 86.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 44.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 50.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 13.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 55.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 49.8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 44.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 50.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 13.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 55.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 49.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 2.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.06 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.2 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 57.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 18.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 23.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 42.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 81.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 76.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 18.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 23.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 42.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 81.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 76.4% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 38.9% (2025 est.)
male: 53.4% (2025 est.)
female: 23.8% (2025 est.)
male: 53.4% (2025 est.)
female: 23.8% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 8% (2018)
women married by age 18: 27.3% (2018)
men married by age 18: 3.7% (2018)
Reference: 2018women married by age 18: 27.3% (2018)
men married by age 18: 3.7% (2018)
People - note
the indigenous population of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the most heterogeneous in the world; PNG has several thousand separate communities, most with only a few hundred people; divided by language, customs, and tradition, some of these communities have engaged in low-scale tribal conflict with their neighbors for millennia; the advent of modern weapons and modern migrants into urban areas has greatly magnified the impact of this lawlessness
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 10,983 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 107,985 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 107,985 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Charles III | — | 2022-09-08 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | James Marape | — | 2019-05-30 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea
conventional short form: Papua New Guinea
local short form: Papuaniugini
former: German New Guinea, British New Guinea, Territory of Papua and New Guinea
abbreviation: PNG
etymology: the name derives from the Malay word pua-pua, describing the tightly curled hair of the Papuan people; Spanish explorer Ynigo ORTIZ de RETEZ applied the term "Nueva Guinea" to the island in 1545 because he thought the locals resembled the peoples of the Guinea coast of Africa
conventional short form: Papua New Guinea
local short form: Papuaniugini
former: German New Guinea, British New Guinea, Territory of Papua and New Guinea
abbreviation: PNG
etymology: the name derives from the Malay word pua-pua, describing the tightly curled hair of the Papuan people; Spanish explorer Ynigo ORTIZ de RETEZ applied the term "Nueva Guinea" to the island in 1545 because he thought the locals resembled the peoples of the Guinea coast of Africa
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital
name: Port Moresby
geographic coordinates: 9 27 S, 147 11 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: Papua New Guinea has two time zones, including Bougainville (UTC+11)
etymology: named in 1873 by Captain John MORESBY in honor of his father, British Admiral Sir Fairfax MORESBY (1786-1877)
geographic coordinates: 9 27 S, 147 11 E
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: Papua New Guinea has two time zones, including Bougainville (UTC+11)
etymology: named in 1873 by Captain John MORESBY in honor of his father, British Admiral Sir Fairfax MORESBY (1786-1877)
Administrative divisions
20 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1 district**; Bougainville*, Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Hela, Jiwaka, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital**, New Ireland, Northern, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain, West Sepik
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Constitution
history: adopted 15 August 1975, effective at independence 16 September 1975
amendment process: proposed by the National Parliament; passage has prescribed majority vote requirements depending on the constitutional sections being amended – absolute majority, two-thirds majority, or three-fourths majority
Reference: 1975amendment process: proposed by the National Parliament; passage has prescribed majority vote requirements depending on the constitutional sections being amended – absolute majority, two-thirds majority, or three-fourths majority
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Papua New Guinea
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Papua New Guinea
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob DADAE (since 28 February 2017)
head of government: Prime Minister James MARAPE (since 30 May 2019)
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general nominated by the National Parliament and appointed by the chief of state; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister, pending a National Parliament vote
election results: James MARAPE reelected prime minister; National Parliament vote - 105 out of 118
Reference: 2022, 2019, 2017head of government: Prime Minister James MARAPE (since 30 May 2019)
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general nominated by the National Parliament and appointed by the chief of state; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister, pending a National Parliament vote
election results: James MARAPE reelected prime minister; National Parliament vote - 105 out of 118
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Parliament
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 118 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 7/4/2022 to 7/22/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Papua & Niugini Union Pati (PANGU) (39); People's National Congress Party (PNC) (15); United Resource Party (URP) (11); Others (40); Independents (10)
percentage of women in chamber: 2.7%
expected date of next election: July 2027
Reference: 2027, 2022legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 118 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 7/4/2022 to 7/22/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Papua & Niugini Union Pati (PANGU) (39); People's National Congress Party (PNC) (15); United Resource Party (URP) (11); Others (40); Independents (10)
percentage of women in chamber: 2.7%
expected date of next election: July 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, deputy chief justice, 35 justices, and 5 acting justices); National Courts (consists of 13 courts located in the provincial capitals, with a total of 19 resident judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on advice of the National Executive Council (cabinet) after consultation with the National Justice Administration minister; deputy chief justice and other justices appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body that includes the Supreme Court chief and deputy chief justices, the chief ombudsman, and a member of the National Parliament; full-time citizen judges appointed for 10-year renewable terms; non-citizen judges initially appointed for 3-year renewable terms and after first renewal can serve until age 70; appointment and tenure of National Court resident judges NA
subordinate courts: district, village, and juvenile courts, military courts, taxation courts, coronial courts, mining warden courts, land courts, traffic courts, committal courts, grade five courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on advice of the National Executive Council (cabinet) after consultation with the National Justice Administration minister; deputy chief justice and other justices appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body that includes the Supreme Court chief and deputy chief justices, the chief ombudsman, and a member of the National Parliament; full-time citizen judges appointed for 10-year renewable terms; non-citizen judges initially appointed for 3-year renewable terms and after first renewal can serve until age 70; appointment and tenure of National Court resident judges NA
subordinate courts: district, village, and juvenile courts, military courts, taxation courts, coronial courts, mining warden courts, land courts, traffic courts, committal courts, grade five courts
Political parties
Destiny Party
Liberal Party
Melanesian Alliance Party or MAP
Melanesian Liberal Party or MLP
National Alliance Party or NAP
Our Development Party or ODP
Papua and Niugini Union Party or PANGU PATI
Papua New Guinea Greens Party
Papua New Guinea National Party
Papua New Guinea Party or PNGP
People's First Party or PFP
People's Movement for Change or PMC
People's National Congress Party or PNC
People’s National Party
People's Party or PP
People's Progress Party or PPP
People's Reform Party or PRP
Social Democratic Party or SDP
Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party or THE
United Labor Party or ULP
United Resources Party or URP
Liberal Party
Melanesian Alliance Party or MAP
Melanesian Liberal Party or MLP
National Alliance Party or NAP
Our Development Party or ODP
Papua and Niugini Union Party or PANGU PATI
Papua New Guinea Greens Party
Papua New Guinea National Party
Papua New Guinea Party or PNGP
People's First Party or PFP
People's Movement for Change or PMC
People's National Congress Party or PNC
People’s National Party
People's Party or PP
People's Progress Party or PPP
People's Reform Party or PRP
Social Democratic Party or SDP
Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party or THE
United Labor Party or ULP
United Resources Party or URP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Arnold Karibone AMET (since 5 September 2025)
chancery: 1825 K Street NW, Suite 1010, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680
FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679
email address and website: info@pngembassy.org
http://www.pngembassy.org/
chancery: 1825 K Street NW, Suite 1010, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680
FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679
email address and website: info@pngembassy.org
http://www.pngembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Ann Marie YASTISHOCK (since 22 February 2024); note - also accredited to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
embassy: Harbour City Road, Konedobu, Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea
mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby Pl, Washington DC 20521-4240
telephone: [675] 308-9100
email address and website: ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov
https://pg.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024embassy: Harbour City Road, Konedobu, Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea
mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby Pl, Washington DC 20521-4240
telephone: [675] 308-9100
email address and website: ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov
https://pg.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CD, CP, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
16 September 1975 (from the Australia-administered UN trusteeship)
Reference: 1975National holiday
Independence Day, 16 September (1975)
Reference: 1975Flag
description: divided diagonally from upper-left corner; the upper triangle is red and has a soaring yellow bird of paradise in the center; the lower triangle is black with five five-pointed white stars of the Southern Cross constellation
meaning: red, black, and yellow are the country's traditional colors; the bird of paradise is an emblem of regional tribal culture and represents the emergence of Papua New Guinea as a nation; the Southern Cross symbolizes the country's connection with Australia and several other countries in the South Pacific
meaning: red, black, and yellow are the country's traditional colors; the bird of paradise is an emblem of regional tribal culture and represents the emergence of Papua New Guinea as a nation; the Southern Cross symbolizes the country's connection with Australia and several other countries in the South Pacific
National symbol(s)
bird of paradise
National color(s)
red, black
National coat of arms
Papua New Guinea's coat of arms was adopted on July 1, 1971, and features the country's national symbol, the Raggiana bird-of-paradise; the bird stands for the nation's freedom and rich natural environment; the traditional spear under the bird represents the country's ethnic groups and the protection of its heritage, and the Kundu drum, which is used in ceremonies, represents local artistic traditions and communication
Reference: 1971National anthem(s)
title: "O Arise, All You Sons"
lyrics/music: Thomas SHACKLADY
history: adopted 1975
Reference: 1975lyrics/music: Thomas SHACKLADY
history: adopted 1975
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Kuk Early Agricultural Site
selected World Heritage Site locales: Kuk Early Agricultural Site
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papua New Guinea official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Parliament of Papua New Guinea | — | 111 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
lower-middle-income Pacific island economy; primarily informal agrarian sector; natural-resource-rich and key exporter of liquified natural gas; collapse in betel nut prices, tighter monetary policy, and improved foreign-exchange availability contributing to declining inflation; challenges include lack of progress in infrastructure, agricultural reform, and corruption
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $45.487 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $43.697 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $42.093 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $43.697 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $42.093 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $4,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $4,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $4,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $4,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $4,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 17.2% (2024 est.)
industry: 37.2% (2024 est.)
services: 41.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 37.2% (2024 est.)
services: 41.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 43.7% (2017 est.)
government consumption: 19.7% (2017 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 10% (2017 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.)
exports of goods and services: 49.3% (2017 est.)
imports of goods and services: -22.3% (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017government consumption: 19.7% (2017 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 10% (2017 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.)
exports of goods and services: 49.3% (2017 est.)
imports of goods and services: -22.3% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products
oil palm fruit, coconuts, bananas, fruits, sweet potatoes, game meat, yams, root vegetables, vegetables, sugarcane (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
oil and gas; mining (gold, copper, and nickel); palm oil processing; plywood and wood chip production; copra crushing; construction; tourism; fishing; livestock (pork, poultry, cattle) and dairy farming; spice products (turmeric, vanilla, ginger, cardamom, chili, pepper, citronella, and nutmeg)
Industrial production growth rate
3.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.66 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 3.8% (2024 est.)
male: 4.6% (2024 est.)
female: 3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 4.6% (2024 est.)
female: 3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $5.518 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $6.856 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $6.856 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 52.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
15.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $4.183 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $4.567 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: $4.567 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $12.93 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.862 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.032 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $14.862 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.032 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 28%, Japan 25%, Australia 17%, Taiwan 8%, India 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
natural gas, gold, copper ore, palm oil, nickel (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $7.192 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $8.568 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $6.43 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $8.568 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $6.43 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Australia 27%, China 24%, Singapore 15%, Malaysia 9%, Japan 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, trucks, rice, plastic products, excavation machinery (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $3.901 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $3.983 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $3.24 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $3.983 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $3.24 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $7.011 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: kina (PGK) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2023: 3.59 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 3.519 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 3.509 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 3.46 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 3.388 (2019 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020Exchange rates 2023: 3.59 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 3.519 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 3.509 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 3.46 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 3.388 (2019 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $4.183 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $4.567 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: $4.567 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $12.93 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.862 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.032 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $14.862 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.032 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 28%, Japan 25%, Australia 17%, Taiwan 8%, India 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
natural gas, gold, copper ore, palm oil, nickel (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $7.192 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $8.568 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $6.43 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $8.568 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $6.43 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Australia 27%, China 24%, Singapore 15%, Malaysia 9%, Japan 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, trucks, rice, plastic products, excavation machinery (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 1.148 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 4.399 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 328.234 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 4.399 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 328.234 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 76.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 21.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal: 2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 21.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal: 2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 2,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Petroleum
total petroleum production: 32,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 30,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 159.656 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 30,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 159.656 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 11.57 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 677.736 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 10.892 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 183.125 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 677.736 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 10.892 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 183.125 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 8.781 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 166,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
189 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 2.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.06 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.2 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 38.9% (2025 est.)
male: 53.4% (2025 est.)
female: 23.8% (2025 est.)
male: 53.4% (2025 est.)
female: 23.8% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, deputy chief justice, 35 justices, and 5 acting justices); National Courts (consists of 13 courts located in the provincial capitals, with a total of 19 resident judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on advice of the National Executive Council (cabinet) after consultation with the National Justice Administration minister; deputy chief justice and other justices appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body that includes the Supreme Court chief and deputy chief justices, the chief ombudsman, and a member of the National Parliament; full-time citizen judges appointed for 10-year renewable terms; non-citizen judges initially appointed for 3-year renewable terms and after first renewal can serve until age 70; appointment and tenure of National Court resident judges NA
subordinate courts: district, village, and juvenile courts, military courts, taxation courts, coronial courts, mining warden courts, land courts, traffic courts, committal courts, grade five courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on advice of the National Executive Council (cabinet) after consultation with the National Justice Administration minister; deputy chief justice and other justices appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body that includes the Supreme Court chief and deputy chief justices, the chief ombudsman, and a member of the National Parliament; full-time citizen judges appointed for 10-year renewable terms; non-citizen judges initially appointed for 3-year renewable terms and after first renewal can serve until age 70; appointment and tenure of National Court resident judges NA
subordinate courts: district, village, and juvenile courts, military courts, taxation courts, coronial courts, mining warden courts, land courts, traffic courts, committal courts, grade five courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF): Land, Air, Maritime elements
Ministry of Internal Security: Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) (2025)
Ministry of Internal Security: Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 4,000 active PNGDF (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the PNGDF is lightly armed; the Land Force has no heavy weapons while the Air and the Maritime forces have a handful of light aircraft and small patrol boats provided by Australia (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-27 (30 for officers) for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025)
Military - note
the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) is tasked with defense of the country and its territories against external attack, as well as internal security and socio-economic development duties; following some inter-tribal violence in Wapenamanda in 2024, the PNGDF was given arrest powers
since 2023, Papua New Guinea has signed bilateral defense cooperation agreements with Australia, Indonesia, the UK, and the US; the 2023 defense cooperation agreement with the US allowed the US military to develop and operate out of bases in PNG with the PNG Government’s approval; PNG has also military relations with France and New Zealand and has discussed a security cooperation agreement with China
the PNGDF was established in 1973, and its primary combat unit, the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (RPIR), is descended from Australian Army infantry battalions comprised of native soldiers and led by Australian officers and non-commissioned officers formed during World War II to help fight the Japanese; the RPIR was disbanded after the war, but reestablished in 1951 as part of the Australian Army where it continued to serve until PNG gained its independence in 1975, when it became part of the PNGDF (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 1975since 2023, Papua New Guinea has signed bilateral defense cooperation agreements with Australia, Indonesia, the UK, and the US; the 2023 defense cooperation agreement with the US allowed the US military to develop and operate out of bases in PNG with the PNG Government’s approval; PNG has also military relations with France and New Zealand and has discussed a security cooperation agreement with China
the PNGDF was established in 1973, and its primary combat unit, the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (RPIR), is descended from Australian Army infantry battalions comprised of native soldiers and led by Australian officers and non-commissioned officers formed during World War II to help fight the Japanese; the RPIR was disbanded after the war, but reestablished in 1951 as part of the Australian Army where it continued to serve until PNG gained its independence in 1975, when it became part of the PNGDF (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Arnold Karibone AMET (since 5 September 2025)
chancery: 1825 K Street NW, Suite 1010, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680
FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679
email address and website: info@pngembassy.org
http://www.pngembassy.org/
chancery: 1825 K Street NW, Suite 1010, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680
FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679
email address and website: info@pngembassy.org
http://www.pngembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Ann Marie YASTISHOCK (since 22 February 2024); note - also accredited to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
embassy: Harbour City Road, Konedobu, Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea
mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby Pl, Washington DC 20521-4240
telephone: [675] 308-9100
email address and website: ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov
https://pg.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024embassy: Harbour City Road, Konedobu, Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea
mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby Pl, Washington DC 20521-4240
telephone: [675] 308-9100
email address and website: ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov
https://pg.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CD, CP, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1975-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1975-10-10 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CD, CP, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 10,983 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 107,985 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 107,985 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 3 — Papua New Guinea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; therefore, Papua New Guinea remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/papua-new-guinea/
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
P2
Airports
569 (2025)
Heliports
3 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 205 (2023)
by type: container ship 6, general cargo 89, oil tanker 4, other 106
Reference: 2023by type: container ship 6, general cargo 89, oil tanker 4, other 106
Ports
total ports: 22 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 6
very small: 16
ports with oil terminals: 8
key ports: Kavieng Harbor, Kieta, Port Moresby, Rabaul, Vanimo, Wewak Harbor
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 6
very small: 16
ports with oil terminals: 8
key ports: Kavieng Harbor, Kieta, Port Moresby, Rabaul, Vanimo, Wewak Harbor
Environment
Environmental issues
rainforest loss as a result of commercial demand for tropical timber; soil erosion, water-quality degradation, and loss of habitat from logging; effects of large-scale mining projects (discharge of heavy metals, cyanide, and acids into rivers); severe drought; land degradation from poor farming practices; poor fishing practices; coastal pollution due to runoff and oil spills
International environmental agreements
party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Climate
tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation
Land use
agricultural land: 3.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 75.2% (2023 est.)
other: 21.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 75.2% (2023 est.)
other: 21.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 13.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 5.798 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.467 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 1.33 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.467 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 1.33 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
8.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 1 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 223.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 167.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 167.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
801 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 166,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
5 TV stations: 1 commercial (TV Wan), 2 state-run (National Broadcasting Corporation and EMTV); 1 digital free-to-view network, and 1 satellite network (Click TV or PNGTV); the state-run NBC operates 3 radio networks with multiple repeaters and about 20 provincial stations; several commercial radio stations with multiple transmission points as well as several community stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are accessible (2023)
Reference: 2023Internet country code
.pg
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8,961,718 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 9,178,714 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 9,394,513 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 9,609,010 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 9,815,746 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 10,012,896 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 10,203,169 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 10,389,635 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 10,576,502 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 10,762,817 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $20,758,876,953 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $22,742,699,138 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $24,109,780,708 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $24,750,626,030 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $23,848,447,850 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $26,113,409,478 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $31,653,230,962 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $30,816,328,066 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $30,803,971,189 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $32,498,658,654 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 31,068 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 31,171 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 26,144 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 27,421 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 26,811 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 27,858 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 30,830 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 34,339 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 34,471 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 35,050 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 28,473 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 26,513 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 24,684 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 22,978 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 10,703 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 10,703 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -787 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -787 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -707 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -284 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,762,817 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 10,947,848 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 8,935,000 | 2020 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 31,171 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 0.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 35,050 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -284 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 7,727 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 3,121 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 644 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 1,227 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.839 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.024 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.623 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.499 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.473 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.613 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.123 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Male illegal since 1899; Penalty: 3 to 14 years imprisonment (Rarely enforced, Legalization proposed).; Yes Female always legal | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $32,498,658,654 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $3,020 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 5.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 4.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 2.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 66.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.1 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 15.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 18.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 72.2% | 2004 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 58.9% | 2004 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 131.1% | 2004 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 87.0% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 52.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 0.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 43.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 54.6% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 2.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 31.3 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 79.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 38.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 88 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -9.4736° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 147.1940° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -6.3000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 147.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+10:00, UTC+11:00, Pacific/Port_Moresby | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:30