Papua New Guinea is located in Melanesia, and its capital is Port Moresby. It has a population of approximately 10,576,502 and covers an area of about 462,840 km². Its official currency is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK).
What stands out
People & place
22.9 /km² across 462,840 km²
Papua New Guinea has a recorded population of 10,576,502 and a reported surface area of 462,840 km².
Economic snapshot
$31.80 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $31.80 billion and GDP per capita at $3,007 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
Papua New Guinea uses Papua New Guinean kina (PGK), calling code +675, internet domain .pg.
About Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, perched on the eastern half of the world's second‑largest island, dazzles with its rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and a mosaic of peoples whose languages and traditions rival any nation on Earth.
The country is dominated by the towering Central Range, which runs the length of the island and includes the soaring peaks of the Owen Stanley and Bismarck ranges. Its coastline is a labyrinth of fjords, coral reefs, and volcanic islands such as the famed New Britain and the Bismarck Archipelago, while the inland lowlands give way to dense rainforest that houses some of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems.
Home to over 800 distinct languages, Papua New Guinea’s cultural tapestry is woven from ancient rituals, vibrant masks, and intricate body art. Traditional dances like the “sing‑sing” bring whole villages together, while the cuisine blends taro, yams, and fresh seafood, often flavored with the pungent kava drink that plays a central role in communal gatherings and ceremonial life.
In 1975, after a long period as an Australian-administered trust territory, Papua New Guinea achieved independence, marking one of the most peaceful transitions from colonial rule in the Pacific and setting the stage for the nation’s ongoing journey toward self‑determination and development.
Key facts
Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse country in the world, with roughly 12% of the world's languages spoken within its borders.
Population (2024 estimate): about 10.1 million people; land area: 462,840 km², making it the 54th largest country by size.
The country boasts the world’s second‑largest coral reef system, the Coral Triangle, which supports an extraordinary variety of marine life.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Papua New Guinea has a recorded population of approximately 10,576,502 people.
How big is Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea covers an area of about 462,840 km².
What is the population density of Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a population density of roughly 22.9 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $31.80 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of approximately $3,007.
What currency is used in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea uses the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK), with the symbol K.
Where is Papua New Guinea located?
Papua New Guinea is located in Melanesia, Oceania.
What is the native name of Papua New Guinea?
The native name of Papua New Guinea is Papua Niugini.
What are people from Papua New Guinea called?
People from Papua New Guinea are referred to as Papua New Guinean, Papuan.
What is the phone calling code for Papua New Guinea?
The international dialing code for Papua New Guinea is +675.
What is the internet domain for Papua New Guinea?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Papua New Guinea is .pg.
What time zone is Papua New Guinea in?
Papua New Guinea spans 2 time zones including Pacific/Bougainville, Pacific/Port_Moresby.
What is Papua New Guinea known for?
Papua New Guinea, perched on the eastern half of the world's second‑largest island, dazzles with its rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and a mosaic of peoples whose languages and traditions rival any nation on Earth.
Melanesia