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, copper, oil, and natural gas. Mining and energy projects contribute significantly to national revenue, but they also generate debates over environmental impact, equitable distribution of benefits, and respect for local rights.
The island’s geographic fragmentation has fostered cultural resilience but complicates infrastructure development. Mountain ranges, dense forests, and scattered islands make transportation costly and logistically demanding. In many rural areas, travel still occurs by footpaths or small aircraft. River systems serve as lifelines in lowland regions, linking communities that might otherwise remain isolated. Despite these challenges, mobile technology has expanded rapidly in recent years, connecting remote villages to national and global networks.
Religious life in Papua New Guinea reflects both missionary influence and indigenous cosmologies. Christianity is widely practiced, introduced during the colonial period, yet traditional beliefs often coexist with church teachings. Ancestral spirits, ritual specialists, and initiation ceremonies remain integral to many communities. This blending of spiritual systems illustrates adaptability rather than replacement, revealing a layered religious landscape. shutdown123