The Independent State of Papua New Guinea: A hidden paradise

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) lies in the southwestern Pacific, sharing a border with Indonesia to the west and separated from Australia by the Torres Strait to the south. Covering 462,800 square kilometers, it is the largest and most populous nation among the Pacific Island countries. Its capital is Port Moresby. PNG became one of the first Pacific nations to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China on October 12, 1976. 

Made up of over 600 islands, PNG is a breathtaking land of volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls and winding rivers, often hailed as a "paradise unlike any other." It is also one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, home to more than 800 languages and 1,000 distinct tribes, each with its own unique customs shaped by geography and tradition. 

In daily life, most locals wear modern clothing. But during festivals, weddings or special ceremonies, they proudly don traditional outfits, vibrant feathered headdresses and intricate face paint, bringing their tribal dances and cultural heritage to life with color and rhythm.