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Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern part of the world's second largest island and is prey to volcanic activity, earthquakes and tidal waves. Linguistically, it is the world's most diverse country, with more than 700 native tongues.

Some 80% of Papua New Guinea's people live in rural areas with few or no facilities. Many tribes in the isolated mountainous interior have little contact with each other, let alone with the outside world, and live within a non-monetarised economy, dependent on subsistence agriculture.

Only around 1% of the land is suitable for growing cash crops, including coffee and cocoa, but abundant rainforests provide the raw material for a logging industry. Conservation groups have raised concerns about the social and environmental impact of the activity.

Mineral deposits - including gold and copper - are extensive, and there are reserves of oil and natural gas, but the difficult terrain and inadequate infrastructure make exploitation slow. The sector is an important source of revenue.

FACTS

• Full name: The Independent State of Papua New Guinea
• Population: 5.9 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Port Moresby
• Area: 462,840 sq km (178,704 sq miles)
• Major language: English (official), Pidgin, native languages
• Major religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs
• Life expectancy: 55 years (men), 56 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 kina = 100 toea
• Main exports: Gold, petroleum, copper, coffee, palm oil, logs
• GNI per capita: US $660 (World Bank, 2006)
• Internet domain: .pg
• International dialling code: +675

(Information on Papua New Guinea from the BBC News: Country Profiles website. Visit the site for more information on Papua New Guinea)

- 12 May 2008

• Richard Jnr treks through a massive landslide to teach the ministers in the Western Region [more]
• Richard & Andrea's Feb-May Newsletter [more]
• National Conference 2008 in Goroka is a blessing [more]

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Random Photos from our Gallery Most Recent Photos Uploaded

7 Sept 2008 - Andrea's surgery is a success. Richard & Andrea will be returning to PNG shortly

26 August 2008 - Andrea is going for Thyroid Surgery to have her thyroid removed on the 28th August in the morning.

10 August 2008 - Richard (Senior) has developed Shingles. He is a severe red rash around his face and neck, and pains throughout his back and arms. Please pray for his quick recovery.

8 August 2008 - Andrea is not responding to anti-thyroid medication. She is seeing a surgeon on Monday August 11th to discuss having her thyroid removed.

10 May 2008 - Andrea has been diagnosed with Graves Disease. It looks as if she may have to return to Australia for treatment. Please pray for her healing and Richard & Andrea's finances.

Ongoing Request - Pray for Peter & Robyn Gration during their Deputation Travels

Sep 2008 - Richard & Andrea returning to PNG in the latter half of the month

Aug 28th 2008 - Andrea undergoes surgery to remove her Thyroid Gland. Operation is a success

Jul-Aug 2008 - Richard & Andrea are in Australia for medical attention for Andrea. They should return to PNG in early September.