Why visit
Papua New Guinea is culturally and biologically vast, with the Kokoda Track, Sepik River, Mount Hagen singsing, island diving, and hundreds of languages. It is rewarding but complex, best approached with careful local logistics.
Country - Oceania
Papua New Guinea
natureadventureculture
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Papua New Guinea works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Port Moresby as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Papua New Guinea.
At a glance
Location
-6.0°, 147.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
462,840 km²
178,703 mi²
Country population
10.3 million
22/km²
Subregion
Melanesia
Currency
Papua New Guinean kina (K)
PGK
Dial
+675
Languages
English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin
Demonym
Papua New Guinean
Internet
.pg
UN
Member state
ISO code
PG / PNG
Where in the world
-6.0° - 147.0°
Papua New Guinea
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Papua New Guinea has more languages than any country: about 850 distinct ones, roughly 12% of all living languages.
- The country occupies the eastern half of New Guinea: the world's second-largest island after Greenland.
- PNG hosts some of the world's oldest agriculture: farming began in the highlands ~10,000 years ago.
Bordering Papua New Guinea
Traveler notes
- The Kokoda Track is a demanding historic trek across the Owen Stanley Range
- Mount Hagen's singsing is one of the country's best-known cultural gatherings
- Milne Bay and New Britain are major diving regions
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Port Moresby, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Papua New Guinea
What is the capital of Papua New Guinea?
Port Moresby is the capital of Papua New Guinea.
What currency does Papua New Guinea use?
Papua New Guinea uses the Papua New Guinean kina (K), ISO code PGK.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea?
The primary languages are English, Hiri Motu and Tok Pisin.
Is Papua New Guinea landlocked?
No, Papua New Guinea has a coastline.
What countries border Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea borders Indonesia.
What is the international calling code for Papua New Guinea?
The calling code is +675.
When is the best time to visit Papua New Guinea?
May–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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