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The Glossary

Kula Ring of Exchange - "A trade ceremony conducted in some regions of Papua New Guinea. Most trade items are jewelry and the like, to enhance one’s social status."

From Papua New Guinea Glossary

Papua New Guinea and Australia (which once claimed the country as territory) are polar opposite. They share a million-year history, but most of the similarities end there. One of the first things that tourists will notice is that the quality of life would never be mistaken as high. A third of its seven million or so population live roughly on less than 1.25 USD per day, and most of its airstrips are unpaved even though air travel is the most important mode for transport here.

Papua New Guinea's archipelago of around 600 islands stand as some of the least-explored in the world, whether geographically or culturally.

PNG: DIY

To some tourists, however, that fact is all the more reason to find Papua New Guinea as a compelling destination. PNG, as the country is often called, is endearing as a do-it-yourself kind of a place. There are few tour operators here, which means that visitors may have to set their own itineraries, as well as seek their own transportation - which is rough, given the country's rugged terrain.

Given PNG's varied landscape, it is hardly surprising that adrenaline junkies thrive here. Trekkers and mountain climbers can find their cup of tea at locations like the Chambri Region, as well as Mount Wilhelm (highest point in the country). Rapids at the Watut, Wahgi, and Purari Rivers are perfect for white-water rafting and fishing, while beach lovers and water sporting enthusiasts will find PNG's coasts at Port Moresby and Madang irresistible. While Australia is flat and dry, Papua New Guinea is wet and mountainous - chock-full of unique flora and fauna (some of which are believed to have not yet been discovered). Kangaroos here do not skip across plains, but live up in trees (the so-called tree kangaroo), and its tourism infrastructure is undeveloped.

Wigmen at the Highlands

Papua New Guinea, culturally, is also one of the megadiverse countries on Earth. There are about 820 indigenous languages spoken here, as tribal villages are still the norm - only 18 percent of its population chooses to live in urbanized areas. About a thousand cultural groups live in the country, each with their own unique traditions and customs, which manifest in their colorful festivals such as the Goroka Show and the Tumbuan Mask Festival.

A trip to PNG's jungles and highlands (such as in the Chambri Region) will often result in visitors meeting and mingling with local tribes. Perhaps the most known among them are the so-called Huli Wigmen - a 600-year old people noted for their red and yellow face paint and decorative wigs.

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