Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with over 800 languages and hundreds of indigenous ethnic groups.

Papua New Guinea has experienced over a decade of comparatively robust economic growth, with expanding formal employment opportunities and strong growth in government expenditure and revenues. This economic performance was driven by high international prices for Papua New Guinea's exports, conservative fiscal policies and construction activity related to LNG projects.

Recently however, lower commodity prices and successive budget deficits have created fiscal pressure, and growth has slowed. Major planned resource projects are expected to restore economic growth in the medium term.

Papua New Guinea continues to confront considerable development challenges. Over 2 million Papua New Guineans (an estimated 27 per cent of the population) are poor and/or face hardship. With around 80 per cent of Papua New Guineans residing in traditional rural communities, the majority secure their livelihoods from subsistence gardens and small-scale cash cropping.

Recent development highlights include:

• Supporting the maintenance and reconstruction of over 1,700 kilometres of roads in 2018.
• Construction of the Coral Sea Cable to dramatically boost internet speeds and enhance economic and social growth, 2018-2020.
• Recent build of 23 fully equipped community health posts in rural and remote areas.

Australian High Commission, Port Moresby

Godwit Road (Waigani)
Port Moresby NCD

Tel +675 7090 0100