Carved wooden masks, spirit boards, and ceremonial drums carry symbolic meaning rooted in myth and clan identity. In the Sepik River region, artistic traditions emphasize intricate patterns and ancestral motifs, producing sculptures that command attention in museums worldwide. Body art, including scarification and painting, transforms the human for
Customary land tenure remains central to Papua New Guinea’s social structure.
Approximately 97 percent of land is held under customary ownership, managed collectively by clans rather than individuals. This system reinforces communal responsibility and spiritual connection to territory, yet it also presents challenges in negotiating large-scale development projects. The country is rich in natural resources, including gold, co
In 1975, Papua New Guinea achieved independence from Australia,
becoming a sovereign state within the Commonwealth. The transition marked a significant moment in the nation’s history, blending inherited administrative structures with indigenous governance traditions. Since independence, Papua New Guinea has navigated complex challenges, including political instability, resource management, and infrastructure
The natural environment of Papua New Guinea is equally diverse.
Dense tropical rainforests cloak much of the land, harboring species found nowhere else on the planet. The country is part of the Coral Triangle, a marine region renowned for extraordinary biodiversity. Along its coasts and surrounding islands, coral reefs teem with vibrant fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Inland, birdlife flourishes, including