Papua new guinea island. Papua New Guinea

General information

Official name - Independent State of Papua New Guinea. The state is located in Oceania, in the southwestern part Pacific Ocean. The area is 462,840 km2. Population - 6 187 591 people. (for 2011). Official language- English, talk-pisin, hiri-motu. The capital is Port Moresby. Currency unit- kina.

The state is located in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, occupying the eastern part of Novaya Island, and also located on the islands of Bougainville and Buka (), the islands of the Louisiade archipelago and the Bismarck archipelago. On the island of New Guinea, the country borders on Indonesia, which occupies the western part of the island. In the east, Papua New Guinea is washed by the Solomon Sea, in the south - coral sea, the Torres Strait and the Gulf of Papua, in the north - the Bismarck Sea. The total length of the border is 820 km, length coastline- 5,152 km.

The climate of the country is subequatorial and in most of the territory it is humid. The average temperature all year round is around +26°C. Seasons differ only in the amount of precipitation - dry and wet seasons. In total, it falls annually from 1,000 mm in the plains to 4,000 mm or more in the mountains. In the mountains at an altitude of 2,500-3,000 m, the average temperature is constantly around + 10 ° C, and there is almost continuous light rain, sometimes hail.

Story

The island of New Guinea was discovered by the Portuguese George de Menezes in 1526. The island got its name in 1545. So Ortis de Rete called it because of the similarity of the Papuans with the inhabitants of African Guinea. In the XVI century. New Guinea was considered northern part the Australian mainland, but in 1606 Torres established that it was an island.

Then, for more than 250 years, Europeans hardly remembered the existence of this island. True, the Dutch founded a colony on the west coast in 1828, but eight years later all the colonists died out. Since 1828, the western part of the island was considered a Dutch possession, but there was not a single Dutchman here, and only by chance did Dutch warships come here.

In 1884 the north East End New Guinea was occupied by Germany, southeastern - by England. This southeastern part- the current Territory of Papua - was initially under the control of the Queensland authorities, and since 1906 - under the control. The coastal tribes (Dorei, Monumbo, Bongu, Kate, Marind-Anim) and the tribes of the southeastern peninsula (Roro, Koita, Mekeo) came into contact with the white colonizers. The tribes of the inner regions of the island remained and in part still remain outside the "sphere of influence" of the colonialists. However, even some coastal tribes, which are commonly referred to as "coming into contact with European culture", for the most part have very little idea of ​​this "European culture".

After the First World War, the German part of New Guinea ceded as a "mandatory" territory to Australia. After the Second World War, it became a "trust" territory under the same administration. The center of administration was in the city of Rabaul (New Britain Island).

In 1948, the Territory of Papua and the Trust Territory were united by the Australian government in what is known as an administrative union centered on Moresby. The United Territory has its own legislative council, but its power is small, for any decision of it can be vetoed by an administrator appointed by Australia. The composition of the council itself is rather a mockery of self-government: of its 29 members, 17 are appointed directly by the administrator, of the remaining 12 "unofficial" members, three represent missions, three are planters and miners, three are elected by the rest of the population of European origin, and, finally, three represent Papuans and Melanesians, but they are not elected, but are also appointed by the administrator. The administrator has dictatorial rights. As for the participation of the aboriginal population in the government of their country, it has actually been reduced to zero. The council consists of 25 people of European origin and three natives. Ten thousand people of European origin elect three members of the council, and two million Papuans and Melanesians do not elect anyone, they have only three "representatives" appointed from above.

West Side New Guinea, which for decades was called Dutch, now, after the formation of the Indonesian Republic, gravitates towards the latter, although its political position has not yet been completely determined. It is now called West Irian.

The Anglo-Australian colonial administration officially divides the entire part of New Guinea under its jurisdiction into five zones, according to the degree of its real power: 1) areas under the complete control of the colonial administration (mainly coastal); 2) areas under "partial control"; 3) areas "under the influence" of the administration; 4) "uncontrolled"; 5) "unknown areas". Colonial officials and people of European origin in general do not dare to penetrate into the fourth and fifth zones - the inner regions of the island, and even armed detachments are afraid to send into "unknown areas".

In 1938, about 60 thousand Papuans were discovered in the valley of the river. Balim (on the northern slopes of the Snowy Mountains). A number of tribes were discovered in 1942 - 1943, during the military operations in New Guinea. There is information about tribes discovered in 1945. There is no doubt that in the central mountainous regions of New Guinea, especially in Zazadny Irian, tribes still live that have not yet seen a European.

Sights of Papua New Guinea

Long Island(Long Island) - volcanic island north coast Papua New Guinea. Long Island is located in the New Guinea Sea and is separated from New Guinea by the Vityaz Strait. Included in the Bismarck Archipelago. The area of ​​the island is 414 km2. Island of volcanic origin; last three largest eruption occurred here 16,000, 4,000 and 300 years ago.

Port Moresby- the capital of the country, a city well located in a natural harbor and rightfully deserved the title of "gateway" of the country. In 1873, Port Moresby was founded as a small colonial settlement, but, thanks to numerous Christian missions and a good location, in just a few years it turned into an important trading and administrative center.

In terms of architecture, Port Moresby is an eclectic mix of old colonial buildings, modern office and shopping centers, and a variety of poor-looking suburban residences.

During the Second World War (again due to its location in the harbor) Port Moresby was one of the main staging posts for the Allied troops, and as a result of fierce fighting, there were not too many really old buildings in the city. It is worth paying attention to the colorful Parliament building, located in the northern part of Port Moresby. Most ancient building of the city is the United Church of El, which was built back in 1890 and miraculously survived during the hostilities.

Of the sights, one can also name Paga Hill (almost 100 meters high), which offers a wonderful view of Port Moresby and its surroundings.

National botanical park , located in Port Moresby, is a real paradise for numerous flocks of birds and an island of unique tropical nature. An incredible collection of orchids attracts not only numerous tourists to the park, but also local residents.

The diverse flora (more than 20,000 species of plants) and fauna of Papua New Guinea is considered one of the country's important state treasures and is protected in national parks (there are four of them in the country) and nature reserves(more than twenty).

A unique mangrove zone along the coast of New Guinea is a swampy area overgrown with various rare species of herbaceous plants and shrubs. Sugarcane thickets and groves of sago palms are also not uncommon in these places.

At an altitude of 1500 meters in the forests of Papua New Guinea, conifers begin to predominate, including araucaria, known for their valuable wood.

The most famous mammals that can be found in the national parks of the country are such marsupials as bandicoot and wallaby. In the reserves located on the territory of coastal zones, the main object of interest are turtles of various types and sizes, as well as crocodiles.

Not far from the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, there is one of the most visited national parks - Varirata park. hiking trails The parks are very colorful, safe and quite suitable for self-study of the extraordinary flora and fauna of the rainforests.

Mount Gahavisuka National Park famous for its mountain orchids and unique wild rhododendrons, as well as hiking and climbing trails.

Most of Papua New Guinea is represented by mountainous reliefs and volcanic chains. In total, the country has 18 active volcanoes and even more inactive or dormant. Often volcanic activity leads to devastating earthquakes and tsunamis. Such activity of volcanoes in Papua New Guinea is explained by the fact that the country's territory is located at the junction of two lithospheric plates, which are very slowly shifting, causing tremors of the earth's crust.

One of the most active volcanic mountain ranges is located on the island of New Britain, which is part of the Bismarck archipelago. The most famous are the three active volcanoes of the island - Langila, Bamus and Ulavun. Volcanoes are of considerable interest for both climbers and speleologists, since their slopes are rich in caves of various sizes, secret grottoes and unique vegetation.

Cuisine of Papua New Guinea

The national cuisine of Papua New Guinea is a rather colorful mixture of culinary traditions various peoples of Oceania and Southeast Asia. As a rule, the basis of most dishes are various root vegetables and meats such as pork and various poultry.

One of the most common dishes among the local population is " Mu Mu", which is an oven-baked stew of pork, sweet potatoes, rice, and a few local herbs. The first is usually served " bugandi"- a simple soup seasoned with an egg.

In coastal regions meat dishes usually replaced various types a fish that is caught in abundance in the seas that wash the shores of Papua New Guinea. In most cases, rice or sorghum is a side dish for meat or fish, yams and a peculiar taste of taro cereal are also popular.

As appetizers before the main course, various salads made from vegetables and those root crops that can be eaten raw are popular. Bread is often replaced with specially fried breadfruit.

For dessert, a variety of fruits are offered, from bananas and mangoes to passion fruit and pineapples. Dessert is also popular. dia"- sliced ​​​​bananas, sago and coconut cream. Sago is also used to make sweet pies with various fillings. Dishes from sweet sugar cane stalks are especially popular in coastal areas.

Quench your thirst in Papua New Guinea with local lemonade (muli-wara), good local coffee or an incredible variety of fresh fruit juices, including those made from a mixture of various fruits.

Papua New Guinea on the map

Papua New Guinea is an independent state in Oceania. It occupies the eastern part of the island of New Guinea, the northern part of the Solomon Islands, the Bismarck and Louisiade archipelago and more than two hundred other small reefs and islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

The etymology of the name of the state is interesting. It comes from the Malay papua", which is translated into Russian as" curly". The island received this name in 1526 from the Portuguese Menezes, who was surprised by the hair of the local population. After 20 years, Iñigo Ortiz de Retes arrived on the island, who gave this place the name of New Guinea. In his opinion, the locals were like the Guinean aborigines who lived in Africa.

The name of the country changed several times from the beginning of European colonization to the independence of the state. It wasn't until 1975 that the island became officially known as Papua New Guinea.

The islands of this state are surrounded by thousands of reefs, lagoons, underwater plateaus, on which a unique sea ​​life. Here you can plunge into the world of sunken ships that disappeared from the face of the earth during the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries and the Second World War.

Climate and weather

The country reigns tropical climate with high humidity. As a rule, this area is characterized by stable weather throughout the year. Average daily temperature is about +26 ºС, and the seasons differ from each other only in the amount of precipitation, so the division is not made into winter and summer, but into the rainy season and the dry season. True, for each place these seasons come at different times.

Only coastal areas are truly hot. Concerning mountainous areas , then the local climate is significantly different from the plain. The temperature here is much lower, but the precipitation is much more. At an altitude of more than 2500 m, the average temperature does not exceed +10 ºС. For almost all the time in the mountains there is a light drizzle, from time to time you can get under the hail.

Nature

The nature of this area is unique. You will not find such a variety of flora and fauna anywhere else.

Most of the surface of all the islands of New Guinea is covered with different-sized mountains. The main part of the territory is raised to a height of 1000 meters above sea level. At the same time, there are also such mountains that reach a height of 4.5 km, which classifies them as belts of eternal snow. Papua New Guinea has 18 active volcanoes.

Vegetable and animal world these places. More than 20,000 different plant species can be found in this area. wide band mangrove plants(sometimes up to 35 kilometers) goes along the coast of New Guinea. This area is very swampy, therefore it is impassable. You can cross it only by swimming along the rivers, along which there are wild thickets of sugar cane and groves of sago palms.

Hundreds of species of trees grow in dense tropical rainforests, and in Lately vegetable gardens and entire plantations began to appear more and more often. Here it is customary to grow sugar cane, coconut palms, bananas and tubers such as sweet potato, yams, taro, cassava and others. Only two or three years gardens are to be cultivated. After that, the area is again overgrown with forest for the next 10-12 years. So the locals maintain the fertility of the soil.

Where the forests rise to a height of 1000-2000 meters, the vegetation becomes more and more monotonous. Mostly coniferous species are found here, in particular - araucaria, which are of great economic importance, since valuable building material is obtained from their wood.

The highlands are dominated meadows and shrubs. And in the hollows of the mountains, where the climate is drier, grassy vegetation is more common.

The fauna here is also diverse. There are especially many reptiles, insects and, of course, birds in these places. As in neighboring Australia, mammals are represented more by marsupial breeds of animals - wallabies, bandicoots, couscous. Turtles and crocodiles can be found on the banks of the rivers. The bird world is represented by such unique exhibits as birds of paradise, cassowaries, crowned pigeons, weed chickens and parrots. And with the Europeans, pigs, domestic chickens and dogs came into this world.

Attractions

On the territory of Papua New Guinea there are a lot of natural attractions. One of the main is the two-top shield Giluve volcano, which is located in the Southern Highlands. The volcano is the second highest peak in the country, reaches a mark of 4368 meters and is the highest in the entire territory of Oceania and Australia. Alpine bows are located all over its surface.

In addition to a large number of historical and natural attractions, there is also a huge archaeological monument - the agricultural settlement of Cook, better known in the world under the name cook marshes. It is located in the Western Highlands, at an altitude of more than one and a half kilometers above sea level. The area of ​​this historical monument equals 116 ha. Since 1960 it has been hosting archaeological excavations and research.

Another well-known natural attraction is the river natural bayer nature reserve and other nature reserves, parks, gardens, each of which is inimitable and unique. Bayer Nature Reserve itself is located 55 km from Mount Hagen, in the Bayer River basin. It is here that it is best to get acquainted with the animal and plant world of these places.

A popular place is Lake Kutbu, in the waters of which several species of rare fish live. It is located 800 meters above sea level in the Southern Highlands and covers an area of ​​​​49 km² (only Lake Murray is larger than it). The reservoir is surrounded by wetlands and swampy forests, which are protected by the state.

Varirata National Park, which is the first national park in the country, is located 42 km from the capital and occupies more than a thousand hectares. Once this territory was a hunting ground for the tribes living here. The object is dedicated to these times cult purpose- "tree-house" of the Koyaris tribe.

National Botanical Park in the capital is ranked among the main tourist sites of the country. This place is regularly visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world, as well as local residents from different regions. The park is famous for its giant collection of orchids, hanging trails and plant map" countries.

Next obligatory place to visit should become " Gardens of Eden» in the Foya mountains — a unique rainforest, untouched by civilization, isolated from the outside world, where there is not a single path or path.

The best place to get acquainted with the local architecture, history, culture and nature can only be National Museum . All the diverse and rich heritage of the state is collected in this truly spiritual center. The museum is made in the form of a complex consisting of many rooms located in different parts of the capital.

Nutrition

National nutrition is quite different from the European type we are used to. Local kitchen represented by meat and fish dishes with the addition of various vegetables (usually stewed) and fruits (papayas, mangoes, pineapples, bananas, passion fruit).

basis traditional cuisine of this country are kaukau, taro, sago, yam and pig. A popular local dish is Mu Mu» - a mixture of sweet potatoes, pork, herbs, rice, spices.

However, thanks very well developed tourism and the flow of foreign (in particular European) guests, Chinese, European, Indonesian restaurants and cafes are increasingly opening here. As alcoholic beverages in Papua New Guinea, Filipino and Australian beer is common.

Accommodation

In Papua New Guinea, there are many opportunities to spend the night in comfort. In this case, everyone will find an acceptable price category. Those who do not allow finances to live in luxury can stay with local residents at any time practically for free, spending only symbolically on breakfast.

Those who want more comfortable conditions are offered a hotel. Kimbe Bay. Around it are tropical gardens, and not far from the building there are coral reefs where you can ideally spend time diving. The hotel will delight its guests with air conditioning, free internet and cozy rooms. There are also 2 bars and 2 restaurants.

There is another decent hotel in the port of Kimbe, Kimbe Bay West New Britain with windows overlooking the coast. It stands right on the New Britain Island Highway. Every morning in the hotel restaurant you can enjoy " buffet". The rest of the time you can try national exotic dishes from any country in the world. The hotel has a currency exchange office, as well as secure parking.

Entertainment and recreation

In Papua New Guinea, you can find a huge number of different entertainments.

One of the most colorful and original local amusements is the large-scale folk dance festival " sing sing". In September, it is held in the city of Goroka at the foot of the mountain in memory of the country's Independence Day. Every year more than 90 Papuan tribes from all the islands of the state come here (and there are about 600 of them!). Thousands of natives in war paint, national clothes and decorations come together to perform the traditional sing-sing dance together, sing, beat drums, perform ritual ceremonies and just communicate. Due to the fact that the festival is a multinational lively and cheerful musical performance, a huge number of tourists and ethnographers from all over the world flock here. Here guests of the country can buy unique souvenirs of the festival, which will remind you of the holiday for many years.

Fans of club life will definitely enjoy the nightclub Lamana Gold Club. It is located in the heart of the Lamana Hotel in the capital and holds the title of the largest and best nightclub in all of Papua New Guinea. Here fireworks are launched and danced under open sky on two dance floors. It offers tourists five bars, karaoke, game rooms and live music.

Purchases

Papua New Guinea has a huge number of shops where you can buy unique local products. Remember that here in the markets and shops it is not customary to bargain.

All shops are usually open five days a week and are open from 9 am to 5 pm. Saturday is a working day, but not until the evening, but until one in the afternoon. Some shops are open on Sunday.

IN in large numbers large shopping centers and restaurants, you can present for payment international credit cards. But finding ATMs can be problematic. They are available only in the capital, but you can use them only if you have an account in local banks. Using credit cards in the province will be almost impossible.

Most major cities can be exchanged for cash travelers checks. But not all branches can work with traveler's checks, so you should prepare for long queues.

In many remote areas of the country, only local currency will be accepted for payment. At the same time, you can practically not hope for change, because there is a clear shortage of small bills.

Transport

Between New Guinea and the rest of the islands established coastal shipping. Main airport located in the capital - Port Moresby.

In this country it is customary to take rental car to be able to independently explore all the beauties of the area. True, they will give you a car only if you have a driver's license, driving experience and a credit card.

And here is the system Taxi it is not developed here, because there are practically no central roads in the country.

After you arrive at the local airport, we recommend that you immediately purchase a telephone SIM card from a local telecom operator. If you need to call abroad, then you can do this at any call center or through an operator from the hotel where you are staying.

Be sure to write down the emergency numbers you may need - the police can be reached on 000, the fire department on 110, and the ambulance can be called on 3256822.

Safety

The main problem in Papua New Guinea is fraud. There are frequent cases of car theft and petty street crime. And the local police often try to make money on the same tourists. The crime rate is especially high in major cities, for example, in the capital Port Moresby. There you can observe such a bandit phenomenon as " splitism"- a special system of youth gangs that engage in murder, kidnapping, violence, extortion, robbery and theft.

We recommend getting vaccinated against malaria, cholera and typhoid before your trip. True, this does not apply to those tourists who will eat exclusively in hotels and restaurants. All travelers older than one year are also recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, Japanese encephalitis, polio. In recent years, the country began to become much more AIDS patients.

Be careful with cuts and other skin injuries, because even the most harmless scratch or skin irritation in reality given climate can bring you a lot of problems.

Business climate

In Papua New Guinea, there are a lot of useful resources, however, in the conditions of this area, their extraction is quite difficult. Nevertheless, two-thirds of the foreign exchange income is brought to the country by the development of gold, copper ore and oil deposits.

The main local industry is the mining and processing of silver, gold, oil, processing of copra, copper ore, wood processing, palm oil production and construction.

Agriculture also brings considerable profit to the state. Cocoa, coffee, coconuts, copra, sugarcane, tea, sweet potatoes, rubber, vegetables, fruits, vanilla are grown here. Shrimps, crabs and other seafood are also exported. The main buyers of all these natural resources are Japan, Australia and China.

• Upon arrival in the country, you can almost everywhere change the currency for local banknotes. This can be done not only in bank branches, but also in hotels, airports, large shopping centers. There are also private exchange offices that deal with the exchange.
• In Papua New Guinea, it is not customary to leave a tip. The amount shown on the invoice is usually the final amount.
• You should be aware that any non-bottled water here is unfit for drinking.
• Some species of sharks swim around the island, as well as many different poisonous sea creatures.
• It is forbidden to import antiques, weapons, wild animals and birds, seeds and plants, pornographic items and drugs into the country. But it is forbidden to export antiques and everything that was found on the seabed from the country.

Visa Information

Russian citizens must open a visa before traveling to Papua New Guinea. Embassies of this country in Russian Federation no, therefore, for clearance tourist visa you will have to apply to the consulate in Brussels, the consular department in London or the Australian embassy in Moscow. Depending on the option you choose to open a visa, the procedure for paying the consular fee, the procedure for submitting documents and the terms for issuing a visa change.

To date consular fee is 35$.

Address of the Australian embassy in Moscow: Podkolokolny lane, 10A/2.

Phone: (+7 495) 956 6070.

The Consulate in St. Petersburg is located on Petrovsky Prospekt, 14, office. 22-N.

Phone: (+7 812) 334 3327.

The name of the country comes from the Indonesian "papuwa", which means "curly".

Capital of Papua New Guinea. Port Moresby.

Papua New Guinea Square. 462840 km2.

population of papua new guinea. 5049 thousand people

Location of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is a state in, in the southwestern part, located mainly in New Guinea (eastern part), Bismarck, (northern part) and occupies about 200 more islands.

Administrative division papua new guinea. The state is divided into 19 provinces and 1 metropolitan area.

Form of government of Papua New Guinea. .

Head of State of Papua New Guinea. The Queen, represented by the Governor General.

Higher Legislature papua new guinea. Unicameral National Parliament.

Supreme executive body of Papua New Guinea. Government.

Major cities in Papua New Guinea. Lae, Madang.

Official language of Papua New Guinea. English, pidgin English, hiri-motu.

Religion in Papua New Guinea. 34% adhere to traditional beliefs, 22% - Lutherans, 16%, 8% - Presbyterians, Methodists and members of the London Missionary Society, 5% Anglicans, 4% members of the Evangelical Alliance, 1% Seventh-day Adventists, 1% - other Protestant communities.

Ethnic composition of Papua New Guinea. 84% - Papuans, 16% - Melanesians, Chinese, Anglo,.

Currency of Papua New Guinea. Kina = 100 toya.

The creation of the province of Central Irian Jaya was cancelled. Western Irian Jaya had already been created by that time (02/06/2006), but its future is still unclear. On February 7, 2007, it was renamed a province. West Papua(Indon. Papua Barat).

Geography

Western New Guinea is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the north, the Seram Sea in the west, the Arafura Sea in the south, and Papua New Guinea in the east. The area of ​​​​the territory is 421,981 km² - this is 22% of the entire land territory of Indonesia. Most Big city- Port of Jayapura. New Guinea is located south of the equator and is dominated by mountainous terrain. The Maoke Range, which runs from north to south, divides the island in two. Mount Jaya with a height of 5030 m is the most high point Indonesia. About 75% of the territory is covered with tropical forests, mostly impenetrable.

The climate is predominantly tropical, humid and hot on the coast; the rainy season lasts from December to March, the dry season - from May to October; characterized by minor seasonal temperature fluctuations. The climate is hot and almost everywhere very humid. Summer temperatures fluctuate within +24 ... +32 °C, in winter +24 ... +28 °C. In the mountains, the temperature is lower, in some places there are never-melting snow fields. The rains are very heavy, especially during the summer period, the level of precipitation is from 1300 to 5000 mm per year. Western New Guinea boasts the most long rivers Indonesia, such as Baliem, Mamberamo and Tariku. In the southwest, the rivers have created large mangrove swamps and intertidal forests.

Flora and fauna

Considered a naturalist's paradise, Western New Guinea boasts an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. Vegetable world has representatives of mountains, meadows, swamps and bogs, tropical, tidal, deciduous and coniferous forests, in which you can find an infinite number of grasses, club mosses, ferns, moss, vines, flowers and trees. The fauna of the province is also very diverse. A variety of plants form a living carpet here, intertwining with the overhanging rainforest canopy. Freshwater and terrestrial vertebrates are almost indistinguishable from animals found in Australia, including marsupials. In forests and open grassy areas, you can find many varieties of snakes, turtles, anteaters, porcupines, possums, bats and rats (including the world's largest water rats (English)Russian, capable of climbing trees), as well as giant lizards, tree-dwelling kangaroos, and quolls. West New Guinea is known for its variety of butterflies and for its many, about seven hundred, unique bird species, including 80 bird-of-paradise species and the huge flightless cassowary. Sea turtles and sirens can be found in coastal waters.

To the east of Jayapura, on the shores of Humboldt Bay, is the Yotefa Nature Reserve with many beautiful beaches, with the skeletons of several ships once sunk during military operations at sea. From Sorong, it is easy to get to the Raja Empat Island Reserve.

The end of Dutch rule coincided with a campaign of confrontation launched by President Sukarno, who sent over 2,000 Indonesian troops to the province to provoke an anti-Dutch uprising that ended in failure. The western part of New Guinea, which received the new name West Irian, gradually came under the control of the Indonesian government, and the issue of joining the territory to Indonesia was to be decided by a referendum. In 1963, there was the first attempt by the local population to proclaim an independent Republic of West Papua, which was suppressed by force by the Indonesian authorities.

Population

Western New Guinea is the least populated territory of Indonesia, with a population of 3.59 million inhabitants, which gives an average density of 8.64 people. per 1 km². More than three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas in small scattered groups. All settlements, as a rule, are located in the coastal zone or in several fertile valleys. Large territories the interior of the island is uninhabited. Between cities, people move by plane or by sea. The main settlements are Jayapura (pop. 150,000), Manokwari, Sorong, Merauke and Biak. Jayapura, the administrative center of the province of Papua and the largest Indonesian city on the island (261 thousand people according to the 2010 census), was founded at one time by the Dutch, who claimed the middle part of the northern coast of New Guinea. In the eastern suburbs of Jayapura is the building of the University of Chend Ravasih. The university has an Anthropological Museum, which houses a collection of objects material culture Asmat tribe. The figures and weapons presented here by the masters of this tribe are distinguished by absolute harmony and aesthetic perfection and are highly appreciated by connoisseurs of primitivist art. The Asmat tribe lives on south coast New Guinea. Along the shores of Humboldt Bay, there are settlements of the Sepik tribe, famous for its primitivist painting of tree bark and the manufacture of carved tribal figures.

About 80% of the population speak Papuan and Melanesian languages. Papuans live all over the island, including on the coast, Melanesians live along the coast. Most Papuans live in small clan groups isolated from each other. Of the highland regions, the most extensive and accessible is the Baliem Valley located in its central part - a 72-kilometer stone corridor through which the Baliem River flows. Here, in small villages scattered throughout this wide valley, more than 200 thousand people from the Dani tribes group live. You can only get here by air. Trails and more and more vehicular tracks connect the center of the Wamena Valley with the rest of the villages. In Western New Guinea, there are also places of compact residence of other peoples of Indonesia, including the descendants of Chinese and Dutch settlers. About 300 languages ​​are spoken in Western New Guinea, most of which do not resemble each other. The Indonesian language, along with local dialects, is used as the language of interethnic communication.

Economy

Western New Guinea is the most remote and less developed part of Indonesia. Majority rural population lives on agricultural products, supplemented by hunting and gathering fruits and berries in the forest. Modern economy concentrated in coastal cities and some cities in the central part and based on mineral resources. These are the world's largest copper reserves in Tembagapur, and the largest deposits of oil and natural gas in Indonesia (about 40 km southwest of Mount Jai). There are substantial reserves of gold and uranium. There are large stocks of timber and fish. Copper and oil mining, timber processing and fishing have little effect on improving the living standards of the local population. This situation helped the separatist organization Free Papua Movement to gain the support of the local population. This organization has targeted the Tembagapur copper mine and forced the authorities to suspend production several times. After oil was discovered in western New Guinea half a century ago, the port city of Sorong (190,000 inhabitants at the 2010 census) grew up here with hotels and bars, where workers began to come from other parts of Indonesia.

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An excerpt characterizing Western New Guinea

Kutuzov, like all old people, slept little at night. He often dozed off unexpectedly during the day; but at night, without undressing, lying on his bed, for the most part did not sleep and thought.
And so he lay now on his bed, leaning his heavy, large, mutilated head on his plump arm, and thought, peering into the darkness with one open eye.
Since Benigsen, who corresponded with the sovereign and had the most strength in the headquarters, avoided him, Kutuzov was calmer in the sense that he and his troops would not be forced to again participate in useless offensive actions. The lesson of the Battle of Tarutino and its eve, painfully remembered by Kutuzov, should also have had an effect, he thought.
“They need to understand that we can only lose by being offensive. Patience and time, here are my warriors heroes! thought Kutuzov. He knew not to pick an apple while it was green. It will fall on its own when it is ripe, but if you pick green, you will spoil the apple and the tree, and you will set your teeth on edge. He, as an experienced hunter, knew that the beast was wounded, wounded in the way that the entire Russian force could wound, but mortally or not, this was not yet an elucidated question. Now, from the sendings of Loriston and Berthelemy and from the reports of the partisans, Kutuzov almost knew that he was mortally wounded. But more evidence was needed, it was necessary to wait.
“They want to run to see how they killed him. Wait, you'll see. All maneuvers, all attacks! he thought. - For what? All stand out. There's definitely something fun about fighting. They are like children from whom you will not get any sense, as was the case, because everyone wants to prove how they can fight. Yes, that's not the point now.
And what skillful maneuvers all these offer me! It seems to them that when they invented two or three accidents (he remembered general plan Petersburg), they invented them all. And they all have no number!
The unresolved question of whether the wound inflicted at Borodino was fatal or not was hanging over Kutuzov's head for a whole month. On the one hand, the French occupied Moscow. On the other hand, Kutuzov undoubtedly felt with all his being that the terrible blow in which he, along with all the Russian people, strained all his strength, should have been mortal. But in any case, evidence was needed, and he had been waiting for them for a month, and the more time passed, the more impatient he became. Lying on his bed in his sleepless nights, he did the very thing that these young generals did, the very thing for which he reproached them. He invented all possible accidents in which this true, already accomplished death of Napoleon would be expressed. He invented these accidents in the same way as young people, but with the only difference that he did not base anything on these assumptions and that he saw them not two or three, but thousands. The more he thought, the more they seemed. He invented all kinds of movements of the Napoleonic army, all or parts of it - towards Petersburg, against him, bypassing it, he invented (which he feared most of all) and the chance that Napoleon would fight against him with his own weapons, that he would remain in Moscow, waiting for him. Kutuzov even invented the movement of the Napoleonic army back to Medyn and Yukhnov, but one thing that he could not foresee was what happened, that insane, convulsive throwing of Napoleon's army during the first eleven days of his speech from Moscow - throwing, which made possible what Kutuzov still did not dare to think about then: the complete extermination of the French. Dorokhov's reports about Broussier's division, news from the partisans about the disasters of Napoleon's army, rumors about preparations for a march from Moscow - all confirmed the assumption that the French army was defeated and was about to flee; but these were only assumptions that seemed important to young people, but not to Kutuzov. With his sixty years of experience, he knew how much weight should be attributed to rumors, he knew how capable people who want something are to group all the news so that they seem to confirm what they want, and he knew how in this case they willingly miss everything that contradicts. And the more Kutuzov wanted this, the less he allowed himself to believe it. This question occupied all his mental strength. Everything else was for him only the usual fulfillment of life. Such habitual fulfillment and submission to life were his conversations with the staff, letters to mme Stael, which he wrote from Tarutino, reading novels, distributing awards, correspondence with St. Petersburg, etc. But the destruction of the French, foreseen by him alone, was his spiritual, only desire.
On the night of October 11, he lay leaning on his arm and thinking about it.
There was a stir in the next room, and the steps of Tolya, Konovnitsyn and Bolkhovitinov were heard.
- Hey, who's there? Get in, get in! What's new? the field marshal called out to them.
While the footman lit a candle, Tol told the contents of the news.
- Who brought it? - asked Kutuzov with a face that struck Tolya when the candle lit up with his cold severity.
“There can be no doubt, Your Grace.
- Call, call him here!
Kutuzov sat with one leg down from the bed and leaning his big belly on the other, bent leg. He squinted his sighted eye in order to better examine the messenger, as if he wanted to read in his features what interested him.
“Tell me, tell me, my friend,” he said to Bolkhovitinov in his quiet, old voice, closing the shirt that was open on his chest. - Come, come closer. What news did you bring me? A? Did Napoleon leave Moscow? Is it really so? A?
Bolkhovitinov reported in detail at first everything that he was ordered to.
“Speak, speak quickly, do not torment your soul,” Kutuzov interrupted him.
Bolkhovitinov told everything and fell silent, waiting for the order. Tol began to say something, but Kutuzov interrupted him. He wanted to say something, but suddenly his face narrowed, wrinkled; he, waving his hand at Tolya, turned in the opposite direction, towards the red corner of the hut, blackened by images.
- Lord, my creator! You heeded our prayer ... - he said in a trembling voice, folding his hands. - Saved Russia. Thank you Lord! And he cried.

From the time of this news until the end of the campaign, Kutuzov’s entire activity consists only in using power, cunning, and requests to keep his troops from useless offensives, maneuvers and clashes with a dying enemy. Dokhturov goes to Maloyaroslavets, but Kutuzov hesitates with the whole army and gives orders to clear Kaluga, a retreat beyond which seems to him very possible.
Kutuzov retreats everywhere, but the enemy, without waiting for his retreat, runs back in the opposite direction.
Historians of Napoleon describe to us his skillful maneuver on Tarutino and Maloyaroslavets and make assumptions about what would have happened if Napoleon had managed to penetrate into the rich midday provinces.
But apart from the fact that nothing prevented Napoleon from going to these midday provinces (since the Russian army gave him the way), historians forget that Napoleon's army could not be saved by anything, because it already bore in itself the inevitable conditions of death. Why this army, which found abundant food in Moscow and could not keep it, but trampled it underfoot, this army, which, having come to Smolensk, did not sort out food, but robbed it, why could this army recover in the Kaluga province, inhabited by the same Russians as in Moscow, and with the same property of fire to burn what is lit?
The army could not recover anywhere. She, from the battle of Borodino and the robbery of Moscow, already carried in herself, as it were, the chemical conditions of decomposition.
The people of this former army fled with their leaders not knowing where, desiring (Napoleon and every soldier) only one thing: to get out personally as soon as possible from that hopeless situation, which, although unclear, they were all aware of.
Only for this reason, at the council in Maloyaroslavets, when, pretending that they, the generals, were conferring, giving different opinions, the last opinion of the simple-hearted soldier Mouton, who said that everyone thought that it was only necessary to leave as soon as possible, closed all mouths, and no one, not even Napoleon, could say anything against this universally recognized truth.
But although everyone knew that they had to leave, there was still the shame of knowing that they had to run. And an external push was needed to overcome this shame. And this impulse came at the right time. It was the so-called French le Hourra de l "Empereur [imperial cheer].
The next day after the council, Napoleon, early in the morning, pretending to want to inspect the troops and the field of the past and future battle, with a retinue of marshals and an escort, rode in the middle of the line of disposition of troops. The Cossacks, snooping about the prey, stumbled upon the emperor himself and almost caught him. If the Cossacks did not catch Napoleon this time, then he was saved by the same thing that ruined the French: prey, on which both in Tarutino and here, leaving people, the Cossacks rushed. They, not paying attention to Napoleon, rushed to the prey, and Napoleon managed to get away.