Papua New Guinea

Gau Hedinarai ai Papua-Matamata Guinea

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: 5,130,365 (2000C); 6,124,000 (2006E).

Major Urban Centers (2005E): PORT MORESBY (metropolitan area, 290,000), Lae (73,000), Arawa (35,000).

Official Languages: English, Tok Pisin, Hari-Motu.

Monetary Unit: Kina (market rate November 2, 2007: 2.78 kina = $1US).

Sovereign: Queen ELIZABETH II.

Governor General: Sir Paulias MATANE; elected by the National Parliament on May 28, 2004, and installed for a six-year term after formal appointment by the ...