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 the famed birds-of-paradise whose elaborate plumage and courtship displays have fascinated observers for centuries. These ecological treasures make Papua New Guinea one of the world’s most important conservation frontiers.
Human settlement on the island dates back tens of thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that highland communities developed early agricultural practices independently, cultivating crops such as taro and sweet potato long before similar transitions occurred elsewhere. Over millennia, distinct societies emerged, each adapting to specific ecological niches. In some regions, elaborate ceremonial exchange systems evolved, linking clans through trade, marriage alliances, and ritual obligations. Shell valuables, feathers, and intricately carved artifacts circulated across landscapes defined as much by spiritual significance as by geography.
European contact began in the 16th century, but sustained colonial administration did not take shape until the late 19th century. The northern part of the territory came under German control, while the southern portion was administered by Britain and later Australia. Following World War I, Australia assumed administration of the former German territory under a League of Nations mandate. World War II brought fierce fighting to Papua New Guinea, particularly along the Kokoda Track, where Allied and Japanese forces engaged in brutal jungle campaigns. The war left deep scars but also accelerated political transformation shutdown123