Fun facts about Papua New Guinea

1. Independence from Australia was obtained on September 16, 1975.
2. Its mainland is bordered by Indonesia
3. Has three official languages (English, Hiri Motu and Tok Pisin).
4. The main religion is Protestantism: 67%.
5. The longest river is Sepik, 1126 km (699 Mi).
6. Full name of the country is Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
7. The country's motto is Unity in diversity.
8. The highest peak is Mount Wilhelm, 4509 m above sea level.
9. Head of the state is Queen Elizabeth II.
10. Unofficial national sport is rugby.
11. Papua New Guinea is one of the most multi-national countries in the world.
12. Is one of the least researched countries in the world.
13. There are over 850 native languages.
14. The Korowai tribe builds houses on trees at a height of up to 40 meters above the ground.
15. The Korowai tribe until recently practiced ritual cannibalism.
16. Port Moresby is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea.
17. Tropical rainforest covers as much as 77% of the country
18. Its estimated to be home to 11,000 plant species.
19. Its estimated to be home to 250 mammal species.
20. Its estimated to be home to 700 bird species.
21. Education begins at the age of 6.
22. Over 35% of the population cannot read or write.
23. The national animal is the dugong.
24. Paupa New Guinea has several volcanoes, eruptions are not rare.
25. Papua New Guinea is surrounded by coral reefs.
26. Humans arrived in Papua New Guinea around 45000 years ago.
27. Papua New Guinea is rich in natural resources, including mineral and renewables, such as forests, marine and agriculture.
28. The worlds largest butterfly (Queen Alexandra's Birdwing) is native to Paupa New Guinea.
29. The plumes of the male Raggiana bird of paradise is used as ceremonial decoration.