New Guinea

New Guinea is the world's second-largest island, after Greenland, covering a land area of 785,753 km². Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, it lies to the north of Australia, with which it is historically and geologically associated. The island is divided into two countries: Indonesia to the west and Papua New Guinea to the east.

Geography

New Guinea is surrounded by coral reefs and is notable for its high biodiversity. It is part of the Australasia ecozone, which also includes the Australian mainland, New Zealand, and the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago. The island's interior is dominated by a central mountain range, the New Guinea Highlands, a series of ranges and river valleys that stretch the length of the island.

History

The first known inhabitants of New Guinea were the Papuan people, who arrived on the island at least 40,000 years ago. The island was later discovered by European explorers in the 16th century. It was named "New Guinea" by the Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez in 1545 because the islanders resembled the peoples of the Guinea coast of Africa.

Culture

New Guinea is home to a rich diversity of cultures, with over 1,000 different tribal groups. Many of these groups maintain their traditional practices and lifestyles, including the Huli wigmen and the Asmat woodcarvers. The island is also known for its unique musical traditions and languages, with over 800 languages spoken.

Economy

The economy of New Guinea is largely based on agriculture, with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming. The island is rich in natural resources, including gold, copper, and oil, and has a growing mining industry. However, economic development is hampered by the island's rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure.

See also

• History of Papua New Guinea
• Indonesian Papua
• Papuan languages
• Fauna of New Guinea