Papua New Guinea - Society

Population: 6,458,000 (2008); 12% lives in urban areas; growth 2.4% p.a. 1970–90 and 2.5% p.a. 1990–2006; birth rate (2006) 31 per 1,000 people (42 in 1970); life expectancy is 57 years (43 in 1970). The people are of mixed (mostly Melanesian) race, with small communities of Polynesians on outlying atolls. There is a declining non-indigenous population (several thousand Australians and a small Chinese population).

Religion: Christians 90% (predominantly Protestants), though Christian beliefs often coexist with traditional beliefs.

Language: The official language is English, but Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu (around Port Moresby) are more widely spoken; there are over 800 indigenous languages.

Media: With such a scattered community, radio is the most important means of accessing information in Papua New Guinea. Nau FM and NBC (in English), Yumi FM, Karai Station and Central FM provide 24-hour radio services. The BBC World Service is available on FM in the capital.

Television coverage is limited mainly to Port Moresby and the provincial capitals. EMTV is the only national television channel, although satellite television is available and broadcasts international channels.

Two daily papers, Post-Courier and The National, and a weekly, The Independent, are published in English.

There are 24 TV sets (2004), 63 personal computers (2004) and 18 internet users (2007) per 1,000 people.

Education: There are nine years of compulsory education starting at age six. Net enrolment ratios are 73% for primary and 24% for secondary (2001/02). The pupil–teacher ratio for primary is 36:1 (2006) and for secondary 23:1 (2002/03). The school year starts in January.

The government runs four universities in Papua New Guinea: the University of Papua New Guinea; the Papua New Guinea University of Technology; the University of Goroka, which trains teachers; and the University of Natural Resources and Environment, which trains people for the agriculture and natural resource sectors. All education fees were abolished by the government in 1993, though the economic problems of 1994 necessitated reintroduction of student contributions. Illiteracy among people age 15–24 is 36% (2006).

Health: State- and church-run hospitals, dispensaries and clinics, with charges low and related to ability to pay. 40% of the population uses an improved drinking water source and 45% have adequate sanitation facilities (2006). Infant mortality was 54 per 1,000 live births in 2006 (143 in 1960).

Communications: Country code 675. The only mobile phone provider is Pacific Mobile Communications, and coverage is limited. Internet services tend to be slow. There are 10 main telephone lines and 47 mobile phone subscriptions per 1,000 people (2007).

Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Queen’s Birthday (Monday before second Saturday in June), Remembrance Day (23 July), Independence and Constitution Day (16 September), Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Regional festivals are held at various times during the year.

Religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year include Good Friday and Easter Monday.