Papua New Guinea 2002

In 2002, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea was a diverse nation located in Oceania. It was bordered by Indonesia to the west, and had a total population of around 5 million people. The majority of the population (around 95%) identified as Christian, with the official language being English. The capital city of Port Moresby was home to many government buildings, as well as popular tourist attractions such as Varirata National Park and Mount Wilhelm.

According to computerannals, the economy of Papua New Guinea in 2002 was largely based on services, agriculture, mining and tourism. Services were by far the largest sector of GDP; by 2002 it accounted for around 65% of GDP. Agriculture also played an important role; it accounted for around 25% of GDP and included crops such as coffee, cocoa beans, copra and rubber. Mining had become increasingly important as well; by 2002 it accounted for around 8% of GDP and included minerals such as gold, copper ore and silver. Tourism had begun to develop as well; visitors were drawn to Papua New Guinea’s stunning beaches and unique culture. The government had invested heavily in infrastructure over recent years; by 2002 there were more than 15 thousand kilometers of roads throughout the country connecting major cities with rural areas.

Yearbook 2002

Papua New Guinea. As the year began, tribal battles continued in the southern Highlands province. Up to February more than 120 people were killed and several hundred were injured. Villages were burned down and the area was haunted by a crime wave. According to Countryaah website, national day of Papua New Guinea is every September 16. Prime Minister Mekere Morauta promised increased resources to fight the growing crime, which plagued other parts of the country as well.

Papua New Guinea Border Countries Map

For the second time in a year, mutiny broke out in the army, when a group of soldiers in March took control of a place in the Sepik area and, among other things. demanded the resignation of the government. The crisis was resolved after a couple of weeks and the mythists were arrested.

In June, the parliamentary elections, which were scheduled to last for two weeks, were extended but extended for almost a month. The elections were surrounded by violence in several provinces and at least 25 people were killed. Some of the victims were candidates in the election.

The incumbent government lost power in the elections. The ruling party People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) had to settle for 13 seats, while opposition leader Michael Somares National Alliance became the largest party in parliament with 19 out of 109 seats. No less than 15 lots were selected. With the support of a loose sea party coalition and independent members, Somare was able to form a government. Thus, the 66-year-old country father returned as prime minister for the third time.

Somare decided to halt planned sales of state-owned companies, such as airlines, banks and telecom companies. The privatizations had been demanded by the World Bank and the IMF but condemned in a series of popular protests.

A provincial governor who claimed that the country’s value-added tax violated the Constitution, was granted by the Supreme Court in September. The result shook the government, which risked repayment of several years’ tax revenue, while struggling with a large budget deficit after Morauta’s time in power. The crisis was resolved when the government agreed with the governor on a new tax form, which gave the province more dividends. The Supreme Court thus changed its ruling.

Papua New Guinea – Port Moresby

Port Moresby

Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea; 317,400 residents (2012). Port Moresby is located on Papua Bay in southeastern New Guinea and is the country’s center for trade and industry. There are food industries, breweries, repair yards, rolling mills and manufacturing of machinery and building materials. Port Moresby has a university and an international airport.

Port Moresby became the headquarters of the British New Guinea colony in 1885 and the capital of Papua New Guinea in 1975.

Papua New Guinea Country Overview

Visas and admission
Finnish citizen does not need a visa for a 60-day trip to Papua New Guinea. The passport must be valid for 6 months after leaving the country.

Insurance
Every person participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well.

Many dive trips require more extensive insurance. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Currency: China (PGK). 1 € = 129.49 PGK. Currency is not available from Finland.

Vaccinations
Check that your basic vaccinations are valid (tetanus, polio and diphtheria and MPR). Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for the trip. Special recommendation from WHO for polio booster vaccination. Antimalarial medication is recommended.

Always check the vaccination requirements at the health center or the Vaccination Advice of the Tourist Clinic

Time difference
8 hours

Electric current
The electric current is 240 V / 50 Hz. Sockets are similar to, for example, in Australia.

Safety
We stay in safe areas during our trip, but general caution within common sense is desirable throughout the trip.

For more information on traveling in the country, see the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ travel bulletin.