The world’s second-largest island, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, north of Australia. The island is divided politically into two parts: the eastern half forms the independent country of Papua New Guinea, while the western half, known as Western New Guinea, is part of Indonesia. New Guinea is characterized by rugged mountain ranges, extensive rainforests, and large river systems.
Population:
Approximately 14 to 15 million people live on the island, with the majority residing in Papua New Guinea. The island is home to a vast number of Indigenous groups, each with distinct languages and cultural traditions, making it one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the world.
Brief History:
New Guinea has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years. European contact began in the 16th century, followed by periods of Dutch, German, and British colonial influence. The eastern half gained independence as Papua New Guinea in 1975, while the western half became part of Indonesia in the 20th century.
Current Day:
Today New Guinea is ecologically and culturally rich, with dense tropical forests that support unique wildlife, including many endemic species. The island faces challenges related to infrastructure development, resource extraction, and environmental conservation, while Indigenous communities continue to maintain traditional practices alongside modern governance and economies.
Image Credit: By Zamonin – Source: At least one of the following Public Domain data sourcesETOPO1 (Resolution 1° = 1,8km)SRTM 4.1 (Resolution 3′ = 90m), CC BY-SA 4.0 [Accessed 13/03/2026]
