|
|
|
The eastern half of the island of New Guinea - second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north) and the UK (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World War I and continued to administer the combined areas until independence in 1975.
A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997, after claiming some 20,000 lives.
|
|
|
Country
|
Surface Area: 462,840 sq km
Population: 5,295,816 (July 2003 est.)
Located in: Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia
Capital City: Port Moresby
Head of State: Queen ELIZABETH II
Prime Minister: Allan MARAT
Independent since: 16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)
Currency: Kina (PGK)
Flag (image): 
|
|