Coordinates: 4°S 138°E / 4°S 138°E / -4; 138

Papua

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Papua
Papua
Flag of Papua
Flag
CapitalJayapura
Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 489: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Time zoneUTC+9


Papua is a province of Indonesia located on the western half of the island of New Guinea. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the north, Papua New Guinea to the east, the Arafura Sea to the south, and the province of West Papua to the west. The capital of Papua is Jayapura.

History[edit | edit source]

The region of Papua has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Indigenous peoples have inhabited the area for millennia, with diverse cultures and languages. The first European contact was made by Portuguese and Spanish explorers in the 16th century. In the 19th century, the Dutch claimed the western half of New Guinea as part of the Dutch East Indies.

After World War II, the region became a point of contention between the newly independent Indonesia and the Netherlands. In 1962, the New York Agreement facilitated the transfer of administration from the Netherlands to Indonesia, and in 1969, the controversial Act of Free Choice led to the formal integration of Papua into Indonesia.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Papua is characterized by its rugged terrain, with the Central Mountain Range running through the province. The highest peak is Puncak Jaya, which is also the highest point in Indonesia. The province is home to dense rainforests, vast river systems, and a rich biodiversity.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Papua is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in Indonesia, with over 250 indigenous ethnic groups. The major languages spoken include Indonesian, as well as numerous Papuan languages. The population is predominantly Christian, with a significant Muslim minority.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Papua is largely based on natural resources, including mining, forestry, and agriculture. The Grasberg mine, one of the largest gold and copper mines in the world, is located in Papua. Despite its resource wealth, the province faces challenges such as poverty and underdevelopment.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Papua is known for its rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and art playing a significant role in the lives of its people. The Dani people of the Baliem Valley are famous for their unique customs and traditional dress.

Also see[edit | edit source]


Template:Provinces of Indonesia

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD