Brief History of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, as well as a number of smaller islands. The country has a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation found as far back as 60,000 years ago. Over the centuries, various groups and tribes settled in PNG, each with their own distinct cultures and languages.

In the 16th century, European explorers began to visit PNG, including the Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the country was colonized by outside powers. The British established a protectorate over the southern part of the country in 1884, while the northern part was controlled by Germany. During World War I, Australian forces took control of the German-held territories, and PNG became an Australian colony in 1920.

After decades of colonial rule, PNG gained independence from Australia in 1975, becoming one of the world's newest nations.  PNG remains a unique and diverse country, with a fascinating history and rich cultural heritage.