New Guinea: Geography, Peoples and History

Introduction: Why New Guinea matters

New Guinea is one of the world’s largest and most geographically diverse islands, lying in the western Pacific north of Australia. Its complex mountains, varied coastal plains and rich human heritage make it important for regional geography, natural resources and cultural diversity. Understanding New Guinea helps explain aspects of Australasian ecology, resource development and the linguistic landscape of the Pacific.

Geography and environment

Mountain ranges and coastal plains

An unbroken chain of mountains runs across New Guinea from the northwest to the southeast, with many peaks exceeding 13,000 feet (about 4,000 metres). The island’s highest point is Jaya Peak in western Papua province, rising to 16,024 feet (4,884 metres) and representing the highest elevation within Indonesia. Fronting the north‑central coastal plains is a series of fault‑rimmed mountains that generally lie below about 11,500 feet (3,500 metres). Separated from Australia by the Torres Strait, New Guinea forms a major bioregion of the Australasia realm and is the world’s second‑largest island after Greenland.

People and economy

Languages and settlement

Almost the whole of New Guinea is occupied by speakers of Papuan languages, the island’s original settlers. These communities live predominantly in the interior and southern sections, contributing to a high degree of linguistic and cultural diversity across the island.

Natural resources

Petroleum production occurs in parts of the island, notably in the Doberai Peninsula area of Papua and near Lake Kutubu in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. Such resources play a notable role in regional economies and in interactions between local communities and national administrations.

History and governance

Colonial and wartime histories have shaped modern New Guinea. During the early years of the Second World War, large parts of the island were temporarily occupied by Japan. After the conflict, Australia combined its administration of the Territory of Papua and the New Guinea mandate into the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Historically, the western portion of the island west of 141°E longitude (with a small exception east of the Fly River) was formerly a Dutch colony, part of the Dutch East Indies.

Conclusion: Significance and outlook

New Guinea’s towering ranges, varied plains and enduring linguistic traditions give it both ecological significance and geopolitical importance in Australasia. Continued attention to its natural resources, cultural diversity and conservation needs will shape the island’s future role in regional development and environmental stewardship.