Papua New Guinea (PNG) is situated to the north of Australia and shares borders with Indonesia to the west and the Solomon Islands to the east. PNG is also in close proximity to other countries in the Pacific region.
In this article, we take a look at five countries near Papua New Guinea and the unique characteristics that make each of them stand out.
Indonesia
Indonesia is located to the west of Papua New Guinea, and is the closest country to PNG. The two countries share a land border on the island of New Guinea.
Indonesia has a population of over 270 million, making it the fourth most populous country in the world. The population density in Indonesia is 145 people per square kilometre. It is home to the world's largest Muslim population and has a rich cultural heritage.
Many Indonesians speak Bahasa Indonesia, which is the official language of the country.
Something not many people know about Indonesia is that it is the only country in the world to span two continents - Asia and Oceania.
Australia
Australia is located to the south of Papua New Guinea, across the Torres Strait. It is the sixth-largest country in the world and has a population of over 25 million people.
The population density in Australia is relatively low, at just 3 people per square kilometre.
Australia is known for its unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. The country is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Something not many people know about Australia is that it is the only country in the world that is also a continent.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are located to the east of Papua New Guinea, and consist of a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean.
The country has a population of just over 600,000 people, with a population density of 23 people per square kilometre. The Solomon Islands are known for their beautiful beaches and rich culture.
The people of the Solomon Islands have a unique form of music, known as panpipes, which is played using bamboo pipes of varying lengths.
Something not many people know about the Solomon Islands is that it is home to one of the largest lagoons in the world, Marovo Lagoon.
Fiji
Fiji is located to the southeast of Papua New Guinea and is made up of more than 300 islands in the Pacific Ocean.
The country has a population of just under 900,000 people, with a population density of 49 people per square kilometre.
Fiji is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and coral reefs. The people of Fiji have a rich cultural heritage, and are known for their hospitality and friendliness.
Something not many people know about Fiji is that it is the only country in the world where rugby union is the national sport.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is located to the east of Papua New Guinea, and is made up of more than 80 islands in the Pacific Ocean.
The country has a population of just over 300,000 people, with a population density of 25 people per square kilometre. Vanuatu is known for its rugged landscape, tropical forests, and active volcanoes.
The people of Vanuatu have a unique form of architecture, known as "bures", which are traditional thatched huts made from woven palm leaves.
Something not many people know about Vanuatu is that it has more languages per capita, with over 100 indigenous languages spoken.
In conclusion, the countries near Papua New Guinea each have their own unique characteristics and cultural heritage. Indonesia, Australia, Solomon Islands
Information about visiting Papua New Guinea
Here are three websites where you can find information about visiting Papua New Guinea:
- Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority: The official tourism website of Papua New Guinea, this site provides comprehensive information on attractions, accommodations, events, and travel tips for visitors. You can find it at https://www.papuanewguinea.travel/.
- Lonely Planet: A well-known travel guidebook publisher, Lonely Planet provides information on travel destinations all around the world, including Papua New Guinea. You can find their guide to Papua New Guinea at https://www.lonelyplanet.com/papua-new-guinea.
- PNG Insight: The website at https://pnginsight.com/category/lifestyle/travel-in-png/ is a valuable resource for anyone looking to travel to Papua New Guinea. It is a local website that provides information on travel, culture, lifestyle, and other topics related to Papua New Guinea. In particular, the section on travel in PNG is a great source of information for tourists, with tips on planning your trip, popular destinations, and local customs and traditions.
