PNG Facts

Flag and History

PNG flag

The flag was created in 1971 and uses the traditional colors of PNG (red, yellow and black). The bird in the top corner is the “Kumal” Bird of Paradise, whose plumes are often used as ceremonial decoration. The stars represent the Southern Cross, a well-known constellation seen in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere. The bird soars above the stars symbolizing PNG’s emergence towards nationhood.

History: Divided between Germany (north) and UK (south) in 1885. Australia occupied the Northern portion during World War I. The latter was transferred to Australia in 1902. Australia continued to govern the combined area until PNG declared its independence in 1975.

Size and Government

Population: 5,795,887 (est. July 2007)
Size: Slightly larger than California;
Part of the second largest island in the world

Government:
Constitutional Parliamentary Democracy (Sadly, the elections are not always peaceful and there is a great deal of corruption within the government). In fact, I was encouraged to leave the country during the counting of votes and declaration of winners. So, I went to Australia and hung out for awhile (poor me)….however, and ironically, when I returned is when my village had a few, um, “skirmishes”, and, unfortunately, a woman was killed in the process…thus pushing “my” tribe to the brink of war…luckily, through much intervention and many peace talks, a war did not break out. Although, I was one of a very few people in our village for a couple of weeks- until tensions settled down a bit.

Languages and Religion

Languages:
Over 800 languages are spoken. English serves as the language of education, however, English is not widely spoken and I rely mainly on my Melanesian Pidgin language skills to communicate during HIV/AIDS awareness events, Sunday school, and pretty much any other time. I even have learned a little bit of the traditional tribal language, Engan.

Religion:
80-95% claim Christianity with the rest declaring indigenous beliefs. However, even among those who claim Christianity, animism still exists in their belief structure and the concept of grace is hard to grasp. Even within their Christianity, beliefs about poison, potions, curses, etc. still are prominent.

Transportation and Weather

Transportation:
Everything from walking to helicopters to dugout canoes to 4 wheel drive double cab truck to small airplanes. There are public motorized vehicles (PMVs), which is my main mode of transportation (besides walking). These 15-passenger vans are crammed and wouldn’t pass any inspection in the States. Riding along the road that goes to area where I live often feels more like off-roading.

Weather:
Perfect. Seriously. No joke. It can get a little chilly…but I’d say most days start in the mid-70s, reach around the mid-80s and then drop, maybe to the 60s overnight. Perfect. It’s hard to get a day without a light sprinkle, but it’s not usually enough to disrupt daily life. Rainy seasons gets a little mushy…but it usually rains in the evening and by the morning, fairly dry again…as I said, perfect…for me at least

Food and Housing

Food:
I eat a wide variety of food including kaukau (sweetpotato— a staple as they have 57 types), greens from the garden, tapioca, bananas, pineapples, corn, beans, ginger, chicken, pork, etc. I get some foods from the local market, but the majority of my foods come from a store in Mt. Hagen (40 mi. away). It’s a healthy diet since there aren’t any restaurants in our area and the closest McDonalds is in Australia. However, there is the “Star Restaurant”, which i have renamed the “Five Star Restaurant” because I get a kick out of saying that I eat at a 5-star restaurant every time I go to Hagen. It’s a ‘kai bar’ which is like a vendor that sells chicken and fries…and it gives your gallbladder quite the workout…greasy! But delicious…

boiling chicken

Housing:
I live on the station of Immanuel Lutheran Rural Hospital. My house is more Western style with running water, flush toilet, and a stove. No, I don’t live in a grass hut (at least not the kind you would see in National Geographic). But I do live about 30 yards away from the hospital…which is quite convenient when I come down with malaria or something else…however, I also get house calls from nurses and doctors anytime I get sick…yeah! Although, I try to stay as healthy as possible.