Since time immemorial, Russian and foreign sailors began to explore the islands located in the Pacific Ocean. These natural complexes are so amazing and unusual that they are considered to be separate continents with their own culture and way of life. From the school bench, we all remember that Papua New Guinea is the second largest "mainland" in Oceania after Greenland.
The island is washed by several seas: Novogvineyskoy, Solomon, Coral, as well as the Torres Strait and the Gulf of Papua. Miklouho-Maclay N. N., a Russian biologist and navigator, who made a significant contribution to geography, history and science, was closely studying natural resources, local culture, and the indigenous population. Thanks to this man, the world learned about the existence of wild jungle and distinctive tribes.
True, tours to the island in Oceania are not in great demand, while they remain a rarity. But travelers who have been in the jungle here, not affected by civilization, remember with rapture and enthusiasm their vacation. The rich vegetation, exotic wildlife, amazing landscapes, a variety of languages, customs and cultures leave an indelible impression on us. Our publication is dedicated to this state.
Geographical Description of New Guinea Island
The tropical island is located in the Pacific Ocean, connects two parts of the world: Asia and Australia. Since 1975, it is an independent state, also part of the British Commonwealth and is a member of the UN. Its capital is the city of Port Moresby. The origin of the island of New Guinea is mainland. Almost the entire territory is covered with massive hills, rocky ridges.
Most of them are of volcanic origin, rise 3,000 meters above sea level. According to scientific data, Wilhelm is considered the highest mountain, which reaches 4509 meters. Between the hills there are wide hollows filled with water, densely planted with tropical trees.
Several rivers flow on the island: Ramu, Sepik, Markham, Purari, Fly. Scientists involved in geological exploration of the island, claim that the continent has a high seismic activity. The last eruption was recorded in the last century, during which thousands of people suffered, and huge damage was also done to agriculture.
New Guinea Island: population
Life on the tropical islands originated thousands of years ago, no one can give an exact date. The last census took place in 1900, at that time the number was about 10 million people. The indigenous inhabitants are the Papuans belonging to the equatorial race. In addition to the Melanesians - as this nation is also called - Asians and even Europeans live.
The lack of civilization, jobs, as well as unfavorable living conditions and the presence of a high criminogenic situation compels Aborigines to migrate from the "mainland" of New Guinea. The island lives by its own customs and laws. Papuans create clans, tribes, choose elders, without which important tasks and decisions are not accepted.
The main occupation of the population is agriculture. Wild tribes plow the land, plant palm trees with bananas, coconuts, also pineapples, sugar cane. No less popular fishing, hunting. Some Aborigines mine precious metals, and then sell them on the black market.
Climatic conditions
Huge masses of water and insignificant land sizes influenced the climate as a whole. In the north, there is a humid equatorial climate, characterized by heavy rainfall and slight winds. Summer temperature ranges from +30 ... + 32 ° C, slightly decreases at night.
The southern part of the mainland is ruled by a subequatorial climate zone. In the winter months (January-February), strong winds prevail on the island of Papua New Guinea. The island, or rather the southeast (May-August) and the central part, is heavily flooded by tropical rains.
The rest of the coastal area (lowland) undergoes drought until late autumn. In areas with high mountains and ridges, a small amount of precipitation falls, since the hills act as a protective barrier to the path of cold air masses and rains.
Economic situation
The relief of the ridges prevents the construction of highways and connecting paths. To date, there is no ground connection with large countries of the state of New Guinea. The island has only air links with the Pacific regions. To maintain and develop the economy, the state in Oceania regularly receives financial support from Australia.
However, the infrastructure remains at the antediluvian level. The main reason is non-compliance by local residents. Crime and civil strife erupt in rural areas. In order to protect their property from looting and ruin, residents create communities.
The main activity of the population is agriculture. Thus, market relations are established between tribes and regions. Sweet potatoes and tea are cultivated in the mountainous regions; vegetables, bananas, yams, and taro are cultivated in the lowlands. Different cereals, fruit, coffee and chocolate trees are grown. Livestock is practiced. Papua New Guinea abounds in mineral resources. The mining industry is actively developing.
Flora
The territory of the island of New Guinea is covered with evergreen savannahs. Valuable plant species and relict trees grow in the jungle: sago and coconut palms, melon and breadfruit, mango, rubber plants, ficuses, bamboos, pandanus, casuarins. Pines and ferns are found in forests. And in the swampy areas mangroves grow. On the banks of the rivers you can see thickets of sugarcane.
Fauna
The fauna is rich and diverse. Alligators, dangerous and poisonous snakes, as well as lizards and chameleons, are found in local rivers. The fauna is represented by amazing insects, exotic birds and reptiles. Paradise birds, cassowaries, crowned pigeons, large parrots live on the mainland. Large turtles crawl off the coast. In the forests there are marsupial badgers, kangaroos, couscous. Locals breed animals familiar to our region: pigs, cows, horses, goats and other livestock.
Tourist focus
Inveterate travelers know where the island of New Guinea is located, and therefore strive to get here in the summer months to see the colorful and diverse world of the jungle. In warm time, enchanting festivals are organized with national dances of the natives. Many are attracted by excursions in the wild jungle with a local guide, while others are acquainted with the sights of nearby resorts.
Things to do?
Having acquired a tour to the mainland island of Papua New Guinea, be sure to go diving. Each hotel and hotel offers similar services. The waters of the Pacific Ocean are an unusually colorful world, replete with coral reefs, amazing marine creatures, large predators. At the bottom of the ocean you can see sunken ships and planes.
No less popular are surfing and windsurfing. The best beaches for this extreme activity are the coasts of the resorts of Wewak, Madang, Vanimo, Alotau. In coastal waters it is allowed to fish, which is what the guests of the island do. It is possible to catch mackerel, giant caranx, canine tuna, barracuda, salmon, perch and many other trophies. Rafting, canoeing, kayaking, boat trips are in great demand.
Papua New Guinea is a natural miracle of the world, lurking many mysteries and enticing with its resources. If you are not afraid of the bites of tropical mosquitoes and the aggressive behavior of the Papuans, then feel free to get a tour to the picturesque island.