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PNG Frequently
Asked Questions
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via Papua New Guinea
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via Papua New Guinea
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Please note -- Whilst all care has been taken in preparing and maintaining the FAQ's about Papua New Guinea it is not possible to be able verify every answer. The information is provided 'as is' and I can not accept responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from the use of this information.
Please verify the information for yourself from a government source, travel agent or other similar organisation.
This database does not contain information about other countries. It is only about Papua New Guinea (PNG).
General Country Information List of Categories
Do you have a possible inclusion for this "Country and General Information" category of FAQ? If you do then please let me know.
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- How many tourists visit PNG each year?
- What is the total literacy rate in PNG?
- What is the population density per sq mi
- What is the female literacy rate in PNG?
- What is the male literacy rate?
- What is the population projection for the year 2010 for Papua New Guinea?
- What is the area in sq mi of PNG?
- What is the population density per sq km
- What is the population projection for the year 2020?
- What is the total fertility rate for PNG?
- What is the PNG infant mortality rate?
- What is the estimated life expectancy at birth?
- What is the birth rate in PNG?
- Why do we celebrate the Queen's Birthday?
- I am an Australian where can I get Aussie help in PNG?
- Can I hold two passports?
- what country is Port Moresby the capital of?
- Who was the first recipient of the Alkan Tololo fellowship award?
- Do I have to worry about earth quakes or volcanic eruptions in PNG?
- How do I get in touch with the Kokoda Trail Authority?
- What is the fax number for Dogura?
- How do I dial on a mobile phone from Australia to PNG?
- Where can I find out about tourism numbers in PNG?
- Where can I find out statistics about PNG?
- How many ounces of gold did the Porgera Gold Mine produce in 2004?
- Is Telstra, Optus, Virgin, Vodafone, Three, Orange or any other overseas telephone company represented in PNG?
- What is the population of Lae?
- Where is Papua New Guinea located?
- When did the Territory of Papua New Guinea come into being?
- What is the full country name for PNG?
- What are the words to the PNG National Anthem?
- Who designed the flag of Papua New Guinea?
- What can you tell me about the history of the PNG flag?
- What is the meaning of the colours used in the PNG flag?
- What does the flag of PNG, designed by Susan Karike, look like?
- Where can I find out what the provincial flags of PNG look like?
- Does PNG have a postal code / postcode / zip code system?
- What are the passport and visa requirements?
- How do I get a tourist visa?
- What are the visa fees for the main type of entry into PNG?
- Where can I find out about the travel services that are available in PNG?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- Does PNG have a Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Value Added Tax (VAT)?
- What is the PNG Currency?
- Where are most of the people of PNG originally from?
- When are the main Cultural Shows held in PNG?
- Do major hotels in Port Moresby have courtesy bus services to and from the Airport?
- Do I need to take any medication or vaccination before travelling to PNG?
- What is the land area of PNG?
- Are spears, bows and arrows still used in tribal conflicts?
- What are the health risks associated with visiting PNG?
- Is The RPNGC considered to be an "Armed Force"? I know that some police officers do carry side arms and other sections use military style weapons.
- What is the average rainfall for PNG?
- What kind of clothing is suitable for travel in PNG? And are there any dress standards that I should be aware of?
- What is the climate / weather like in PNG?
- What is the average temperature for PNG?
- Where can I find pictures / photographs of places in PNG?
- What is the voltage of electricty used in private premises in PNG?
- Does PNG have any National Parks?
- How good is the water in PNG?
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- How many tourists visit PNG each year?
In 2006 77,730 visitors came to PNG and in 2007 this number exceeded 100,000 for the first time.
PNG is expecting this figure to reach 120,000 in 2008.
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- What is the total literacy rate in PNG?
(2000-2004) 57.3%
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- What is the population density per sq mi
In 2005 this was reported as being 32.9 per sq. mi. and 12.7 per sq. km
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- What is the female literacy rate in PNG?
The reported female literacy rate between 2000-2004 was 50.9%. Far less than the figure of 63.4% given for men.
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- What is the male literacy rate?
The PNG male literacy rate has been quoted as being 63.4% (2000 - 2004) (female rate = 50.9%)
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- What is the population projection for the year 2010 for Papua New Guinea?
Projected PNG population in 2010 will be 6,450,000
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- What is the area in sq mi of PNG?
Total area has been reported as 178,704 sq. mi
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- What is the population density per sq km
12.7 per sq. km and 32.9 per sq. mi.(2005)
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- What is the population projection for the year 2020?
Projected population: (2020) 7,602,000
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- What is the total fertility rate for PNG?
Fertility rate: (2004) 4 average births per child bearing woman
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- What is the PNG infant mortality rate?
The infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births for boys (under 1) is 67 and for girls under 1 it is 61.
The total infant mortality rate is 64
year 2000 figures.
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- What is the estimated life expectancy at birth?
Estimated life expectancy at birth, males = 53.7, female = 54.8 (2000)
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- What is the birth rate in PNG?
In 2007 the birth rate was annouced as being 2.7 percent. This is one of the highest figures in the world
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- Why do we celebrate the Queen's Birthday?
As a member of the Commonwealth, with the Queen as the head, it is a courtesy for PNG to celebrate her birthday or at least the day nominated to be her birthday.
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- I am an Australian where can I get Aussie help in PNG?
In Papua New Guinea, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian High Commission
Godwit Road
Waigani NCD Port Moresby,
Telephone +675 325 9333
Facsimile +675 325 9239
You can get limited help from the Australian Honorary Consulate
Mataram Street
Morobe Province
Lae, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Telephone (675) 472 2466
Facsimile (675) 472 2726
Also see -- http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Papua_New_Guinea
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- Can I hold two passports?
I assume you mean dual nationality?
PNG does not recognise dual nationality except for children under 19 years of age. This may limit the ability of the "other" Government to provide consular assistance to Papua New Guinean dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
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- what country is Port Moresby the capital of?
The independent state of Papua New Guinea.
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- Who was the first recipient of the Alkan Tololo fellowship award?
It was Brian Kakini from the University of Technology in April 2006. The award is similar to a Fullbright Scholarship and is equally contested by students from all tertiary institutions in PNG.
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- Do I have to worry about earth quakes or volcanic eruptions in PNG?
PNG is located in an active seismic zone and regular volcanic eruptions occur, particularly around Rabaul, Bougainville, West New Britain and the Manam Islands. In the event of a natural disaster local authorities will provide advice although it may take a while to filter through to you.
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- How do I get in touch with the Kokoda Trail Authority?
The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) can be contacted on PNG telephone +675 325 5540. It also pays to register with your local embassy or high commission before attempting the walk. A full check up and written report by your doctor may be required as well.
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- What is the fax number for Dogura?
umm - not sure if there is a facsimile machine that works at Dogura (mainland Milne Bay). Not sure if the GenSet still works!.
The phone number for Holy Name High School (HNHS) (in Milne Bay Province) is +675 641 1543 but no guarantees that it will work!
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- How do I dial on a mobile phone from Australia to PNG?
The same way you do from a fixed line telephone service.
Use the International access number - Telstra 0011 then the PNG country code - 675 -- then the telephone number. PNG does not have any STD codes.
Of course this assumes your mobile telephone provider has given you overseas access.
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- Where can I find out about tourism numbers in PNG?
Try this page -- Tourism Numbers Year/Visitors
1996 61,392
1997 65,960
1998 67,816
1999 67,816
2000 58,448
2001 54,235
2002 53,762
2003 56,282
2004 60,715
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- Where can I find out statistics about PNG?
Try the National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea website -- http://nso.gov.pg/
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- How many ounces of gold did the Porgera Gold Mine produce in 2004?
The Porgera Gold Mine produced 1,109,746 ounces of gold in 2004. It had estimated that it would only produce 904,127 ounces for 2004.
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- Is Telstra, Optus, Virgin, Vodafone, Three, Orange or any other overseas telephone company represented in PNG?
No and there are only limited global roaming agreements with the local telcommunication provider Telikom PNG
- The only two that I am aware of are Post Paid Telstra and Optus SIM's. These should allow global roaming while in PNG. New companies Digicel and Green Comunications (Greencom) also have some agreements with other telephone companies outside PNG.
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- What is the population of Lae?
Lae is the second biggest town in PNG. It has an estimated population of about 75,000 - 120,000 people
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- Where is Papua New Guinea located?
PNG lies just below the equator in the eastern South Pacific. It shares its main island called New Guinea with Indonesia. Its nearest neighbours are Indonesia, Solomon Islands and Australia.
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- When did the Territory of Papua New Guinea come into being?
The Territory of Papua New Guinea was formed in 1945.
Port Moresby was regarded as the Capital until self-government in 1974 and independence in 1975.
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- What is the full country name for PNG?
The Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
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- What are the words to the PNG National Anthem?
Oh arise all you sons of this land
Let us sing of our joy to be free
Praising God and rejoicing to be
Papua New Guinea
Shout our names from the mountains to the seas
Papua New Guinea
Let us raise our voices and proclaim
Papua New Guinea
Give thanks to the good Lord above
For His kindness, his mercy and love
For this land of our fathers is free
Papua New Guinea
Shout again for the whole world to hear
Papua New Guinea
We're independent and free
Papua New Guinea
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- Who designed the flag of Papua New Guinea?
Susan Karike (Now Mrs Huhume) then a seventeen-year-old attending Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School on Yule Island designed the National PNG Flag in 1972. The flag was officially raised at Independence Hill on the 16th of September 1975.
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- What can you tell me about the history of the PNG flag?
The Papua New Guinea flag was adopted on July 1, 1971 and Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia on September 16, 1975.
Interesting Papua New Guinea Flag Facts:
The proportions of 3:4 make the Papua New Guinea flag almost square in shape.
A competition was held to design a flag for PNG in 1971. The government approved a design submitted by local 15-year-old student, Susan Karike. It became the national flag upon Papua New Guinea's independence.
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- What is the meaning of the colours used in the PNG flag?
Black, red and yellow are traditional colors which are found in Papua New Guinean art and clothing.
The yellow bird, a stylised bird of paradise, is culturally significant to Papua New Guineans and in full flight it represents freedom and the country's birth as an independent nation.
The five stars symbolise the constellation the Southern Cross, representing the stars Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon, which is smaller because it doesn't shine as brightly as the other stars.
The Southern Cross represents the country's geographical position in the world and its link to Australia, which also incorporates the Southern Cross on its flag.
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- What does the flag of PNG, designed by Susan Karike, look like?
A picture is worth a thousand words -- please have a look at all of the flags of PNG on the Flags of the World website located at -- http://www.fotw.net/flags/pg.html (Not just the one designed by Susan Karike)
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- Where can I find out what the provincial flags of PNG look like?
Try http://www.1uptravel.com/flag/flags/pg-.html
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- Does PNG have a postal code / postcode / zip code system?
Yes, there is a systemn of 3 digit numbers used by the post office. It is not widely pulicised.
For example - Boroko is 111, Alotau is 211, Lae is 411 ... For a list visit the old faithful website of PNGBD -- http://www.pngbd.com/postcodes.php.
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- What are the passport and visa requirements?
You will need a valid passport and preferably a tourist visa stamped in your passport prior to departure from your country.A 60-day Tourist Visa is available on arrival in Port Moresby at a fee. It is cheaper to obtain a visa before you enter the country. You will need travel documents, sufficient funds for your stay in the country and airline ticket with confirmed outbound (return) flights before expiry date of your Visa. As some restrictions apply to several Asian, Eastern European and African countries, please check with the nearest Papua New Guinea Mission or the nearest Australian mission, before traveling to the country.
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- How do I get a tourist visa?
It is possible to get a visa on arrival at Jackson's airport.
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- What are the visa fees for the main type of entry into PNG?
The fees vary from time to time but the most recent fees can be found at -- http://michie.net/pnginfo/pngvisafees.html. As the fees may change it is advisable to treat the table as a guide only.
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- Where can I find out about the travel services that are available in PNG?
Try the pages located at The National newspaper website -- http://www.thenational.com.pg/jtp/travelservices.htm
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- Do I need travel insurance?
Whilst not compulsory it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance along with your tickets to PNG or any other overseas country.
Medical treatment especially evacuation from PNG to an overseas country is VERY expensive
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- Does PNG have a Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Value Added Tax (VAT)?
PNG has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 percent which applies to the majority of locally produced goods and services as well as the majority of imported goods and services.
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- What is the PNG Currency?
The currency for PNG is the Kina (keena). It is suggested that you convert some money to Kina either in Australia or upon arrival in Port Moresby. The Kina is divided into 100 and each unit is called a toea (toya).
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- Where are most of the people of PNG originally from?
95% Melanesian, 5% Polynesian, Micronesian, Chinese.
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- When are the main Cultural Shows held in PNG?
Dates vary however the main shows attended by many overseas tourists are the Mt Hagen Show normally held in August, and the Goroka Show which is held in September. Both shows are annual events.
There is also the Hiri Moale Show held in Port Moresby in September.
Other smaller cultural shows are held in various provinces so for further information, contact your nearest Air Niugini office and details will be sought for you.
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- Do major hotels in Port Moresby have courtesy bus services to and from the Airport?
Yes - Major hotels have courtesy buses that operate shuttle services to and from the airport at regular intervals.
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- Do I need to take any medication or vaccination before travelling to PNG?
Yes it is highly recommended that anti-malarial medication be taken two weeks prior to arrival, during your stay in PNG, and four weeks after departure. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes in the evening. Dentists, doctors and hospitals are in all major centres. Rural areas have health centres and aid posts staffed by trained health workers.
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- What is the land area of PNG?
The land area of PNG is about 460,000 square kilometres or 180,000 square miles.
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- Are spears, bows and arrows still used in tribal conflicts?
The traditional weapons of war in the Highlands - bows, arrows and spears - are no longer much of a worry to the police. Guns are today's symbol of power in PNG and gun making is a profitable village industry.
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- What are the health risks associated with visiting PNG?
Malaria, dengue fever and diarrhoea would be the main health risks associated with a visit to PNG.
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- Is The RPNGC considered to be an "Armed Force"? I know that some police officers do carry side arms and other sections use military style weapons.
Interesting question. Here is the answer I received from Ian Brooks
RPNGC is considered as a Disciplined Force rather than an armed force. This was attested to by Pope John who was willing to inspect the Police Band during his visits as they were not associated with an "armed force", the Pope will not inspect a guard of honor provided by an armed force. Under the constitution the PNGDF holds the responsibility for national defence whilst RPNGC has responsibility for law and order. The mobile squads whilst para military in make up are not military or army units.
Solomon Islands is a rather unique setup as they do not have a military and therefore the Police fulfill the national defence role.
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- What is the average rainfall for PNG?
Rainfall varies tremendously - Port Moresby may experience an annual rainfall of 39 inches while Lae has over 176 inches. In some areas, such as West New Britain, annual rainfall can exceed 20 feet per year.
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- What kind of clothing is suitable for travel in PNG? And are there any dress standards that I should be aware of?
Casual wear is acceptable for most occasions except that slippers and shorts are not accepted dress in some bars and restaurants. Lightweight clothing is suitable for the coastal areas but a sweater or jacket may be needed in the cooler Highland areas.
Skimpy clothing is not recommended.
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- What is the climate / weather like in PNG?
The climate in Papua New Guinea is tropical and pleasant. You will experience two distinct types of climate in PNG.
The first is in the lowland and coastal areas being hot and having a temperature range of 24-35 degrees C (75-95 F) with high humidity. The second is the highlands regions being cooler, having a Temperature range of 12-28 degrees (54-82F) and with less humidity.
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- What is the average temperature for PNG?
Temperatures on the coast are reasonably stable all year (between 77 and 86 degrees F) however colder temperatures occur in the highlands.
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- Where can I find pictures / photographs of places in PNG?
As a starting point try Pictures of Port Moresby and then navigate from there.
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- What is the voltage of electricty used in private premises in PNG?
240 Volt AC, 50 Hertz.
The power plug is a 3 pin staggered neutral and active pins with a flat earth pin. This is the same as the one used in Australia and New Zealand. | \ /
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- Does PNG have any National Parks?
Papua New Guinea has four national parks, including Varirata National Park and McAdam National Park, but more have been proposed.
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- How good is the water in PNG?
The quality of the water in most of the towns in PNG is within World Health Organisation standards. Water bottled locally and overseas is available. It is recommended to boil water taken from rivers, streams and lakes.
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Please note that this is not "Ask Jeeves" — you cannot type a whole sentence as your query. Enter a word, a phrase, or several words and press search.
Please remember that this is a FAQ database about Papua New Guinea.
Doing a search for PNG or New Guinea or even P.N.G will probably not return much. Keep the search simple. i.e. if you want to find out the population simply enter "population" without the quotes. There is no need to have PNG / P.N.G or whatever in the search string.
