From Dependency to Sustainability. Paulina Siop

       Papua New Guinea Facts

Population:	5.7 M (estimated)
Political status:	Constitutional parliamentary democracy. PNG has been fully independent since September 16, 1975 and became the 142nd member of the United Nations in October, 1975. It is also a member of the British Commonwealth.
Capital:	Port Moresby
Location:	the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, 160 kilometres north of Australia.
Languages:	More than 800 distinct languages. Melanesian Pidgin and Hiri Motu are the two most widely used, but English is the official language in education, businesses and government circles.
Per capita GDP:	U.S. $903 (2006)Real GDP growth rate (2006)
Life expectancy:	55 years
Adult literacy:	57%

      Sources: GoPNG web site, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Papua New Guinea Business and Street Directory, US Department of State