About Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PNG) rests entirely within the tropics, south of the equator, and 160km north of Australia. With a total land mass exceeding 473,000 square km. PNG accounts for more than 80% of the total land area of New Guinea - the second largest island in the world, along with some 600 islands. A central core of mountains located in the mainland, known as the Owen Stanley Range, runs east and west rising steeply from the coastal plains. Mt Wilhelm marks the highest peak measuring approximately 4,500 meters.
Below the mountain chain, lie great rivers, sea fertile coastal plains, flooded delta regions and mangrove swamps exist alongside broad sandy beaches, colourful sheltered bays and dense rainforest.
The capital city of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby, where the following official languages are widely spoken; English, Hiri Motu & Tok Pisin. PNG accounts for 1/3 of the worlds languages exceeding 800, with 5000 different dialects, and a multitude of cultures with roots from Africa, India & Polynesia.
Currency: PGK (PNG Kina) and Toea View Current Exchange Rate
Useful Links
AUSAID Website about PNG
Wikipedia about PNG
Lonely Planet about PNG
Detailed PNG Map