What Are People From Papua New Guinea Called?

Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea

The demonym for people from Papua New Guinea is:

Papua New Guinean

Pronunciation:

/ˈpæpuə nuː ˈɡɪni/

Australian infantry and armour at Buna (AWM 014008)
Image via Wikimedia CommonsPublic domain

About Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is an island nation in the Pacific region, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea along with many smaller islands. Its capital city is Port Moresby, a coastal city on the Gulf of Papua. The country gained independence from Australia in 1975 and has since developed its own national identity and government. Papua New Guinea is one of the most linguistically diverse countries on Earth, with more than 800 languages spoken across its many communities. Its mountainous interior is home to rugged highlands, dense rainforests, and remarkable biodiversity, including unique birds and tree kangaroos. The nation's rich cultural traditions include elaborate ceremonies, carvings, and music that have been passed down through generations. Its striking landscapes and deep cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for adventurous travelers.

Quick Facts about Papua New Guinea
Population:
10,300,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Southeast Asia

Recommended Geography Resources

Want to explore where Papua New Guineans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:

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Etymology of the Papua New Guinea Demonym

Named after the Papuan people, a term possibly from Malay 'papua' meaning 'frizzy-haired', and 'New Guinea' after the island's resemblance to Guinea in West Africa.

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