Who are Papua New Guineans?

Monday, June 29, 2009

Who are Papua New Guineans?

The indigenous population of Papua New Guinea is one of the most heterogeneous in the world. PNG has several thousand separate communities,most with only a few hundred people. Although the country has three official languages (English, Tok Pisin, and Motu), its more-than 800 other languages add to the country's vast cultural diversity. Its history has been marked by low-scale tribal conflict among the neighboring communities and the advent of modern weapons and migration into urban areas has magnified the impact of this problem.

Population Facts:

Population: 6,057,263 (July 2009 est.)

country comparison to the world: 107

Median Age: 21.7 years

Urban Population: 12% of total population (2008)

Life Expectancy: total population: 66.34 years

country comparison to the world: 160

Ethnic Groups: Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Language: The three official languages are English, Tok Pisin, and Motu; there are approximately 860 other languages

Literacy: total population: 57.3%

PNG Geographical Facts

▪ Near, but south of the equator in South Pacific Ocean.

▪ Occupies eastern half of New Guinea island (world’s second largest excluding Australia).

▪ Part of Australian continent.

▪ Mostly mountainous, covered with tropical rainforests and surrounded by coral reefs.

▪ Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire at the point of collision of several tectonic plates.

▪ A number of active volcanoes and frequent eruptions.

▪ Common earthquakes, sometimes accompanied by tsunamis.

▪ One of the few regions close to the equator that experience snow (in the most elevated parts of the mainland).

Why we're going to PNG

Our group of families and individuals from Journey Christian Church are going on a missions trip to Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ, the McFarland family. The McFarlands (Bruce & Paula and their children) have been long-term support missionaries serving, in turn, as teachers to the families of other missionaries. Together, they have been called by God to translate the Good News of Jesus Christ into the native languages (more than 800 of them!) of Papua New Guinea -- one of the most linguistically diverse cultures on earth.

While we're there, we'll build an addition on the McFarlands' small home, giving them more space to live and work as they serve the people of Ukarumpa, PNG.

Journey to PNG -- September 12 - 27, 2009

Monday, June 29, 2009