Papua New Guinea Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate

Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania / Pacific, Oceania, covering a total area of 462,840 km². It has a coastline of 5,152 km along the Oceania / Pacific coast. Papua New Guinea shares land borders with 1 country.

📐 Geographic Statistics

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Continent
Oceania
geographical continent
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Region
Oceania / Pacific
sub-region
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Total Area
462,840 km²
land coverage
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Pop. Density
22/km²
people per km²
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Coastline
5,152 km
total shore length
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Timezone
UTC+10
UTC offset
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Independence
1975
year established
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Climate
Tropical, varies by region
general type

Where is Papua New Guinea Located?

Papua New Guinea is situated in Oceania / Pacific, within the broader continent of Oceania. The country has a coastline of 5,152 km, providing access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism. This geographic feature has been central to Papua New Guinea's historical development and economic activity. The capital, Port Moresby, serves as the country's administrative and economic centre. Within the Oceania / Pacific region, Papua New Guinea sits alongside countries including New Zealand, Fiji, Kiribati.

Size and Area of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea covers a total area of 462,840 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 10.3M across this territory, the population density works out at 22/km²: a moderate distribution of people across the country.

Climate of Papua New Guinea

The climate of Papua New Guinea is tropical, varies by region. The most favourable time to visit is May–November, when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.

🗺️ Countries Bordering Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea shares land borders with 1 country: Indonesia. This single shared border means Papua New Guinea is otherwise surrounded by water.

Indonesia
Indonesia
Jakarta

Frequently Asked Questions about Papua New Guinea's Geography

Where is Papua New Guinea located?

Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania / Pacific, Oceania. The capital city is Port Moresby.

How large is Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea has a total area of 462,840 km² with a population density of 22/km².

What countries border Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea shares land borders with 1 countries: Indonesia.

Does Papua New Guinea have a coastline?

Yes, Papua New Guinea has a coastline of 5,152 km.

What is the climate of Papua New Guinea?

The climate of Papua New Guinea is Tropical, varies by region. The best time to visit is May–November.

What timezone is Papua New Guinea in?

Papua New Guinea observes UTC+10 timezone.

What continent is Papua New Guinea in?

Papua New Guinea is in Oceania, specifically in the Oceania / Pacific region.

When did Papua New Guinea become independent?

Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975.

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