HISTORY

Papua New Guinea received its complete independence on September 16, 1975, becoming a full member of the Commonwealth. The first inhabitants of the country consisted of Papuan, Melanesian, and Negrito tribes, who spoke over 700 different languages. Papua New Guinea is still a very culturally diverse country, just as it was when the first inhabitants founded it. One of the primary reasons for this diversity is due to the country's terrain that permitted tribes to develop almost in complete isolation.

GOVERNMENT

Papua New Guinea became an independent parliamentary democracy in 1975. The country then had the freedom to use new found resources to support the country, regain possession of the land, trade under the national flag, and take an active role in the running of their government. Papua New Guinea's Parliament consists of 109 members that are elected on a five year term by universal suffrage to represent the 19 provinces. The formal head of the state is Queen Elizabeth II who holds that position for life. The next governmental position is the Prime Minister, Sir Silas Atopare, who is appointed by the National Executive Council. The ceremonial head is Mekere Morauta, the Governor-General, who is elected by parliament and approved by the British monarch. Although parliamentary democracy is similar to America's form of government in some ways, there are differences. Compare Papua New Guinea's government to America's government.