| Local name: Papua Niugini |
| Surface : 462,840
sq km (178,704 sq miles) Papua New Guinea consists of
over 600 islands and lies in the middle of the long chain of islands
stretching from mainland South East Asia. |
| Population :
5,130,365 inhabitants |
| Climate: Warm to hot and humid throughout the
year. There is a rainy season, which varies from province to province,
however, in general, it's driest from May to December. The air is
clean; watch out for sunburn, particularly in the Highlands, even on
overcast days. |
| Electricity: Electrical current on the
national grid is 40 volts. AG 50 hzs. Some hotels provide 110 volt
outlets in guest rooms for shavers and hair dryers. |
| PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for at least 6 months after
entry required by all. VISAS: Required
by all. |
| Capital : Port
Moresby. Population: 250,000 |
| System : Constitutional
monarchy. Gained independence from Australia in 1975. Papua New Guinea
has a unicameral parliamentary system, with executive power nominally
held by the British Crown, represented by a Governor General.
Legislative power rests with the 109-member parliament. The local
government system underwent extensive reform in 1995, when the 19
directly elected provincial governments were replaced by new regional
authorities |
| Languages : There are more than 800
distinct languages. Melanesian Pidgin and Hiri Motu are the two most
widely used, but English is the official language in education,
businesses and government circles. |
| Religions : Local traditional
beliefs and ceremonies are maintained in remote areas; however,
Christian influence is predominant |
| Money : Kina
(Kina) = 100 toea. Notes are in denominations of Kina50, 20, 10, 5 and
2. Coins are in denominations of Kina1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1
toea. |
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+ 675 |
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+ 10 |
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