State Papapua — New Guinea occupies the eastern part of the island of New Guinea, the second largest island in the world. Its western part belongs to Indonesia. Papua — New Guinea also includes many small islands, such as Bismarck archipelago and northern part of the Solomon Islands.
In the 19th century, European merchants and missionaries settled here. Until 1920, when Papua — New Guinea passed to Australia, control over this territory was divided between Germany and Great Britain. The country gained independence only in 1975. In Papua — New Guinea, you can see mountains, fast rivers and thick forests. In fertile soils, extensive plantations, giving coconuts, coffee, tea, palm oil and rubber spread out. Turtles and crocodiles live in grassy lowlands and swamps. Among other representatives of wildlife are giant butterflies, large non -alleged birds of casuars, as well as marsupials, for example, hassles.
Most of the population lives in rural areas, often in remote valleys, where roads do not reach. Thanks to this, a huge number of customs and languages have developed — here in more than 700 languages. The traditional way of life is still strong, each community grows plants characteristic only for them to eat.
