PAPUA NEW GUINEA - GEOGRAPHY
News: India to send $1 million aid
to landslide-hit Papua New Guinea
What's in the news?
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The Government of India extended an immediate relief assistance of $1 million
to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Papua New
Guinea, in the wake of a devastating landslide.
Key takeaways:
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”As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation
(FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua
New Guinea, Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of $1
million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction effort,” MEA
statement read.
Papua New Guinea:
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It is an island country that lies in the southwestern Pacific.
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It includes the eastern half of New Guinea (the
world’s second-largest island) and many small offshore islands.
Neighbours:
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Indonesia to the west, Australia to the south and
Solomon Islands to the southeast.
Capital - Port Moresby
Terrain:
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It is mainly mountainous
but has low-lying plains in southern New Guinea.
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The islands that constitute Papua New Guinea were
settled over a period of 40,000 years by a mixture of peoples who are generally
referred to as Melanesians.
Language:
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English is the main language of government and
commerce.
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In most everyday contexts, the most widely spoken
language is Tok Pisin.
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Linguistically, it is the world's most diverse country, with more than 800 languages.
Religion:
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The majority of Papua New Guinea’s people are at
least nominally Christian.
Government:
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Papua New Guinea became self-governing on 1
December 1973 and achieved independence on 16 September 1975.
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The country is a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth.
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The British monarch, represented by a
governor-general, is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of
government.