Country
Countries A-Z
Papua New Guinea
Independent State of Papua New Guinea
Gau Hedinarai ai Papua-Matamata Guinea (Hari-Motu)
Independen Stet bilong Papua Niugini (Tok Pisin)
Note: The literal translation of Gau Hedinarai is “entity of the people,” hence the official title in Hari-Motu could be “Republic of Papua New Guinea.”
Political Status: Former Australian-administered territory; achieved internal self-government on December 1, 1973, and full independence within the Commonwealth on September 16, 1975, under constitution of August 15.
Area: 178,259 sq. mi. (461,691 sq. km.).
Population: 7,192,017 (2012E—UN); 6,310,129 (2012E—U.S. Census).
Major Urban Centers (2009E): PORT MORESBY (metropolitan area, 254,158), Lae (78,038), Mt Hagen (27,789).
Official Languages: English, Tok Pisin, Hari-Motu.
Monetary Unit: Kina (market rate October 3, 2011: 2.23 kina = $1US).
Sovereign: Queen ELIZABETH II.
Governor General: Sir Michael OGIO; elected by the National Parliament on January 14, 2011, sworn in ...