History of Papua New Guinea in Timeline
Papua New Guinea is an island nation situated in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of New Guinea and neighboring islands. It shares its western border with Indonesia, while Australia lies to its south and the Solomon Islands to its east. Covering an expansive 462,840 square kilometers, it stands as the world's third-largest island country, with its capital, Port Moresby, located on its southeastern coast.
1901: Discovery of Skulls on Goaribari Island
In 1901, missionary Harry Dauncey discovered 10,000 skulls in the traditional houses on Goaribari Island, indicating the historical practice of headhunting in the region.
1902: Transfer of Papua to Australia
In 1902, the administration of Papua, a British protectorate, was effectively handed over to the newly formed Commonwealth of Australia.
1905: Renaming of Papua
With the enactment of the Papua Act in 1905, the territory officially became known as the Territory of Papua.
1906: Formal Australian Administration of Papua
Australian administration of Papua was formally established in 1906, marking a significant step in the territory's governance.
1933: Abolition of Seashells as Currency in Papua New Guinea
The use of seashells as currency in certain regions of Papua New Guinea was officially abolished in 1933.
1945: End of the New Guinea Campaign and Territorial Unification
Following the Allied victory in 1945, the territories of Papua and New Guinea were combined, laying the groundwork for the eventual formation of Papua New Guinea.
1949: Unification of Papua and New Guinea Administrations
The separate administrations of Papua and New Guinea, both under Australian control, were merged in 1949, simplifying the administrative structure.
1951: Establishment of the Legislative Council
A 28-member Legislative Council was formed in 1951 to govern the combined territories, although it was predominantly controlled by Australian officials.
1964: Formation of the House of Assembly
The Legislative Council was replaced by the 64-member House of Assembly of Papua and New Guinea in 1964, marking the first time Papua New Guineans held a majority.
1967: Expansion of the House of Assembly
The House of Assembly expanded to 84 members in 1967, increasing Papua New Guinean representation in the territory's governance.
1969: Establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í Faith in PNG
The Bahá’í community in Papua New Guinea experienced rapid growth, leading to the election of a National Spiritual Assembly (administrative council) in 1969.
1970: Gough Whitlam's Visit and Calls for Independence
Australian Opposition Leader Gough Whitlam visited Papua New Guinea in 1970, amidst growing calls for independence from the Tolai people.
1971: Further Expansion of the House of Assembly
By 1971, the House of Assembly reached 100 members, further enhancing Papua New Guinean participation in the political process.
1971: Whitlam's Second Visit
Gough Whitlam made another visit to Papua New Guinea in 1971, further emphasizing the momentum towards self-governance.
1971: Sorcery Act Criminalizes "Black" Magic
The 1971 Sorcery Act in Papua New Guinea criminalized the practice of "black" magic, imposing a prison sentence of up to 2 years. This law remained in effect until its repeal in 2013.
1972: Election of Michael Somare and Whitlam's Victory
Michael Somare became the first Papua New Guinean Chief Minister following the July 1972 elections. In December, Gough Whitlam won the Australian federal election, paving the way for Papua New Guinea's self-governance.
1972: Start of Rainforest Degradation in Papua New Guinea
The period starting in 1972 marked the beginning of significant damage and deforestation in Papua New Guinea's rainforests.
1972: Whitlam's Call for Self-Governance
Whitlam advocated for self-governance for Papua New Guinea by as early as 1972, reflecting a shift in Australian policy towards the territory.
1973: Implementation of Self-Governance
The Whitlam Government granted self-governance to Papua New Guinea in late 1973, with Michael Somare at the helm, marking a crucial step towards full independence.
September 1975: Establishment of Papua New Guinea's Underlying Law
On September 16, 1975, the date of independence, Papua New Guinea established its "underlying law." This common law system draws from English common law and equity principles and rules as they existed on that date, along with subsequent decisions of PNG's courts.
September 1975: Papua New Guinea Independence Act
The Whitlam Government passed the Papua New Guinea Independence Act in September 1975, officially setting September 16, 1975, as the date for Papua New Guinea's independence.
1975: Secessionist Revolt on Bougainville Island
A secessionist movement emerged on Bougainville Island in 1975, prompting a last-minute amendment to the draft Constitution to grant provinces, including Bougainville, a degree of autonomy.
1975: Independence of Papua New Guinea
After being ruled by external powers since 1883, Papua New Guinea gained its sovereignty in 1975, becoming an independent Commonwealth realm.
1975: First Post-Independence Elections in Papua New Guinea
Following independence in 1975, Papua New Guinea held its first elections. The elections used the first-past-the-post system, often resulting in winners securing victory with less than 15% of the total votes cast.
1986: Iagifu/Hedinia Field Discovery
The Iagifu/Hedinia Field, located in the Papuan fold and thrust belt, was discovered in 1986.
1988: Renewed Bougainville Uprising
A resurgence of the Bougainville conflict in 1988 resulted in a protracted and deadly struggle, claiming an estimated 20,000 lives over nearly a decade.
1989: Treaty Defines Maritime Boundaries with the Solomon Islands
Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands formally agreed on their maritime boundaries in 1989 through a dedicated treaty.
1990: Maternal Mortality Rate in Papua New Guinea
The maternal mortality rate in Papua New Guinea was recorded at 476.3 per 100,000 births in 1990.
1991: Documentation of Cannibalism
Marianna Torgovnick, writing in 1991, highlighted New Guinea as a source of extensively documented cases of institutionalized cannibalism, which persisted in isolated areas into the late 20th century.
1992: Papua New Guinea Joins Forum of Small States
Papua New Guinea became a member of the Forum of Small States (FOSS) upon its founding in 1992.
1997: End of Bougainville Secessionist Unrest
In 1997, an agreement was reached that ended Bougainville's secessionist unrest. Following this, former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta focused on restoring stability to the nation.
1997: Resolution of the Bougainville Conflict
The Bougainville conflict reached a resolution in 1997, bringing an end to years of violence and paving the way for peace and reconciliation.
July 1998: Devastating Tsunami in Papua New Guinea
On July 17, 1998, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck near Aitape, Papua New Guinea. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami, reaching heights of 50 feet, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 2,180 people, making it one of the country's worst natural disasters.
2000: Estimated Half of M16 Rifles Unaccounted for in PNGDF Armories
By the year 2000, an estimated half of the 2000 M16 rifles delivered to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) from the 1970s to the 1990s were missing from government armories. This loss of weapons contributed to escalating tribal violence in the country.
2001: Electoral Reforms Introduce Limited Preferential Voting
Papua New Guinea implemented electoral reforms in 2001, introducing the Limited Preferential Vote (LPV) system, a variation of the alternative vote system, aiming to provide a more representative outcome.
September 2002: Earthquake off the Coast of Wewak
In September 2002, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred off the coast of Wewak in Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea. The earthquake resulted in the loss of six lives.
2002: Amendment Changes Government Formation Process
A significant amendment in 2002 changed Papua New Guinea's process for forming a government. It stipulated that the leader of the political party securing the most seats in the general election would be invited by the governor-general to attempt to form the government. This amendment aimed to provide more clarity and structure to the process.
2002: Continued Rainforest Loss in Papua New Guinea
By 2002, nearly 25% of Papua New Guinea's rainforests had been damaged or destroyed due to various factors, including deforestation.
2004: Government Audit Reveals Missing Firearms from Armories
A government audit conducted in 2004 revealed a significant loss of firearms from Papua New Guinea's armories. Only 1/5th of the 5000 Australian-made Self Loading Rifles and half of the 2000 M16s delivered to the PNGDF since the 1970s were accounted for.
2004: Royal PNG Constabulary Administrative Review Highlights Challenges
The 2004 Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Administrative Review brought to light significant challenges within the police force. These included limited capacity, poor working conditions, and a need for more effective local policing systems, particularly the village court magisterial service.
2005: Audit Reveals Ongoing Issue of Missing Firearms
A 2005 audit confirmed the ongoing issue of missing firearms from Papua New Guinea's armories, highlighting the government's struggle to control the flow of weapons fueling tribal violence.
2005: Establishment of Bougainville Autonomous District and Province
In 2005, a peace agreement between the Papua New Guinea government and Bougainville rebels led to the establishment of the Bougainville Autonomous District and Province, with Joseph Kabui elected as its first president.
2007: First Election Using Limited Preferential Voting
The 2007 general election in Papua New Guinea marked the first time the Limited Preferential Vote (LPV) system was used, aiming to create a more representative electoral outcome.
December 2008: Bougainville Presidential Election
Following the death of President Joseph Kabui, James Tanis won the Bougainville presidential election in December 2008.
2008: Kuk Early Agricultural Site Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status
The Kuk Early Agricultural Site in Papua New Guinea was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
2008: Maternal Mortality Rate in Papua New Guinea
The maternal mortality rate in Papua New Guinea was recorded at 311.9 per 100,000 births in 2008.
May 2009: Anti-Chinese Rioting in Papua New Guinea
May 2009 witnessed widespread anti-Chinese riots in Papua New Guinea, sparked by a dispute between ethnic Chinese and indigenous workers at a Chinese-owned nickel factory. The unrest stemmed from underlying resentment towards Chinese business ownership and perceived economic dominance.
2009: Approval for Creation of Hela and Jiwaka Provinces
In 2009, Parliament approved the creation of Hela Province from part of Southern Highlands Province and Jiwaka Province by dividing Western Highlands Province, driven by the country's largest liquefied natural gas project.
2009: Adoption of National Vision 2050
Papua New Guinea adopted its National Vision 2050 in 2009, leading to the establishment of the Research, Science and Technology Council.
2010: Lands Act and Land Group Incorporation Act Amendments
Amendments to the Lands Act and the enactment of the Land Group Incorporation Act in 2010 aimed to improve state land management, resolve land disputes, and enable customary landowners to access finance and partnerships for economic development on their land.
2010: Bougainville Presidential Election
John Momis won the Bougainville presidential election in 2010.
2010: Maternal Mortality Rate in Papua New Guinea
The maternal mortality rate in Papua New Guinea was recorded at 250 per 100,000 births in 2010.
2011: Constitutional Crisis Emerges in Papua New Guinea
A constitutional crisis gripped Papua New Guinea in 2011 due to a clash between the parliament-elected Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, who enjoyed significant support from MPs, and Sir Michael Somare, who the Supreme Court deemed as the rightful holder of the office. This power struggle created political instability and uncertainty.
2011: Commission of Inquiry into Special Agricultural and Business Leases
Due to public concern over land grabbing through the misuse of Special Agricultural and Business Leases (SABLs), a Commission of Inquiry was established in mid-2011 to investigate these leases, particularly their use for acquiring customary land for logging.
2011: Police Commissioner Seeks Public Help to Combat Corruption
In an unprecedented move, Police Commissioner Anthony Wagambie appealed to the public in 2011 to report any instances of police officers soliciting bribes for performing their duties. This highlighted the growing concern over corruption within the force.
2011: Citizen population in Papua New Guinea by religion
The 2011 census provided data on the religious demographics of Papua New Guinea's citizen population.
2011: Religious Beliefs in Papua New Guinea
The 2011 census revealed that 95.6% of Papua New Guinea's citizens identified as Christian, with a majority being Protestant (approximately 70% of the total population). Roman Catholics constituted a notable minority at around 25%.
May 2012: Hela and Jiwaka Officially Become Separate Provinces
On May 17, 2012, Hela and Jiwaka officially became separate provinces. This was a result of the largest liquefied natural gas project in the country, situated in both provinces.
July 2012: Peter O'Neill Becomes Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
Peter O'Neill emerged as the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea following the July 2012 general election. He formed a coalition government, appointing Leo Dion, the former Governor of East New Britain Province, as his deputy prime minister.
July 2012: Resolution of Constitutional Crisis in Papua New Guinea
The constitutional crisis in Papua New Guinea, stemming from a power struggle between the parliament-elected Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of Sir Michael Somare, continued until the national elections in July 2012. The elections led to a resolution of the crisis, with legislation passed to address concerns over the separation of powers.
2012: Papua New Guinea Moves to Enhance Government Stability
In 2012, Papua New Guinea's government initiated legislative changes to enhance stability. The proposed legislation aimed to prevent votes of no confidence against the government for a significant period after a national election and near the next election, aiming to reduce frequent changes in government.
2012: Decision to Erect the First Bahá’í House of Worship in Papua New Guinea
The decision to construct the first Bahá’í House of Worship in Papua New Guinea was made in 2012, symbolizing unity and incorporating design elements inspired by local traditions.
December 2013: TotalEnergies Acquires InterOil Corp. Gas Field Rights
TotalEnergies acquired 61.3% of InterOil Corp.'s Antelope and Elk gas field rights in December 2013, with plans to begin development in 2016, including a liquefaction plant for LNG exports.
2013: Study Highlights High Rates of Violence Against Women in Papua New Guinea
A 2013 study published in The Lancet revealed alarming rates of violence against women in Papua New Guinea. It found that 27% of men on Bougainville Island reported having committed rape against a non-partner, while 14.1% admitted to gang rape.
2013: Repeal of the Sorcery Act
Papua New Guinea repealed the 1971 Sorcery Act in 2013, which had criminalized the practice of "black" magic.
2013: Emphasis on Economic Diversification
Papua New Guinea's 2013 Budget emphasized the need for a more diverse economy beyond resource extraction to avoid the negative consequences of Dutch disease.
2013: Renewable Energy in Pacific Island Countries Developing Skills and Capacity programme (EPIC)
The European Union launched the Renewable Energy in Pacific Island Countries Developing Skills and Capacity programme (EPIC) from 2013 to 2017. This program aimed to bolster renewable energy expertise in the region.
February 2014: Adapting to Climate Change and Sustainable Energy programme
In February 2014, an agreement between the European Union and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat brought about a €37.26 million programme focused on Adapting to Climate Change and Sustainable Energy, benefiting Papua New Guinea and 14 other Pacific island nations.
November 2014: Research, Science and Technology Council Gathering
The Research, Science and Technology Council, during its gathering in November 2014, stressed the significance of sustainable development driven by advancements in science and technology.
2014: Government Health Expenditure in Papua New Guinea
Government expenditure on health in Papua New Guinea represented 9.5% of total government spending in 2014, with total health expenditure accounting for 4.3% of GDP.
2014: Papua New Guinea Leads Pacific Island States in Scientific Publications
Papua New Guinea led Pacific Island states with 110 publications in Thomson Reuters' Web of Science in 2014, with a focus on immunology, genetics, biotechnology, and microbiology. Most publications involved international collaboration, mainly with Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Switzerland.
2014: Responsible Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2014 Responsible Sustainable Development Strategy highlighted the importance of sustainable industries and mitigating the negative effects of resource extraction on other sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
2015: Recognition of Sign Language in Papua New Guinea
As of 2015, sign language, specifically Papua New Guinean Sign Language, gained statutory recognition in Papua New Guinea, joining English, Tok Pisin, and Hiri Motu as officially recognized languages.
2015: International Migrants in Papua New Guinea
Data from the World Bank in 2015 showed that international migrants constituted approximately 0.3% of Papua New Guinea's population.
2015: Parliament Passes Lukautim Pikini Act
In 2015, the Papua New Guinea Parliament passed the Lukautim Pikini Act, aiming to address child protection issues.
2015: Renewable Energy in Papua New Guinea
In 2015, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community highlighted the dominance of hydropower in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa's renewable energy sectors, while also recognizing the potential for growth in solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean-based energy sources.
2015: Government Approves Action Plan to Address Sorcery-Related Violence
In response to ongoing violence and accusations related to sorcery and witchcraft, the Papua New Guinea government approved the Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusation Related National Action Plan (SNAP) in 2015. However, its implementation has been hindered by insufficient funding and enforcement.
2015: Papua New Guinea Urbanization Rate
Papua New Guinea's urbanization rate, representing the projected urban population change between 2015 and 2020, was measured at 2.51%.
2016: Establishment of a Centre of Renewable Energy at the University of Papua New Guinea
A master's programme in renewable energy management was accredited in 2016 at the University of Papua New Guinea, along with the establishment of a dedicated Centre of Renewable Energy at the same institution.
2016: Women in Research
In 2016, women represented 33.2% of the researchers in Papua New Guinea.
2016: Planned Development of Antelope and Elk Gas Fields
TotalEnergies and InterOil Corp. planned to begin developing the Antelope and Elk gas fields in 2016, including the construction of a liquefaction plant for exporting LNG.
2017: 10th Parliament Commences with No Female Representation
Papua New Guinea's 10th Parliament, commencing in 2017, was marked by a notable absence of female representation. This lack of female MPs highlighted concerns about gender inequality in the country's political landscape.
2017: Renewable Energy in Pacific Island Countries Developing Skills and Capacity programme (EPIC)
The European Union launched the Renewable Energy in Pacific Island Countries Developing Skills and Capacity programme (EPIC) from 2013 to 2017. This program aimed to bolster renewable energy expertise in the region.
2017: Family Protection Regulation Approved, Enabling Court Application
The Family Protection Regulation, initially passed in 2013, was finally approved in 2017. This delay hampered its application in courts, hindering efforts to address family violence.
February 2018: 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Papua New Guinea
A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck Papua New Guinea on February 25, 2018. The earthquake's epicenter was at a depth of 35 kilometers, causing significant damage, particularly in the Southern Highlands region.
April 2018: Series of Earthquakes Devastates Hela Province
A series of earthquakes struck Hela Province in Papua New Guinea between March and April 2018. The earthquakes caused widespread landslides, resulting in the tragic loss of 200 lives. The disaster prompted immediate aid from various nations in Oceania and Southeast Asia.
2018: Papua New Guinea Urban Population Percentage
According to the CIA World Factbook in 2018, Papua New Guinea had the second lowest urban population percentage globally, at 13.2%, primarily attributed to its geography and economic structure.
2018: Construction Begins on the Bahá’í House of Worship in Port Moresby
Construction of the Bahá’í House of Worship commenced in Port Moresby in 2018, drawing inspiration from the design of a woven basket and Haus Tambaran (Spirit House).
May 2019: Resignation of Prime Minister O'Neill and Appointment of James Marape
In May 2019, Prime Minister O'Neill resigned and was succeeded by James Marape. Marape's defection to the opposition had precipitated O'Neill's resignation. Davis Steven was appointed deputy prime minister, justice minister, and attorney general.
November 2019: Date Set for Bougainville Independence Referendum
The government set November 23, 2019, as the voting date for a non-binding independence referendum in the Bougainville autonomous region.
December 2019: Bougainville Independence Referendum
A non-binding independence referendum was held in Bougainville from November 23 to December 7, 2019, with an overwhelming majority (98.31%) voting for independence from Papua New Guinea.
December 2019: Bougainville Votes Overwhelmingly for Independence
In December 2019, the autonomous region of Bougainville voted overwhelmingly for independence, with 97.7% in favor of full independence and 1.7% for greater autonomy.
2019: Urbanization Rate
As of 2019, only 13.25% of Papua New Guinea's population resided in urban areas, highlighting the country's predominantly rural demographic.
2019: Papua New Guinea Ranks Second in Scientific Publications
In 2019, Papua New Guinea was second among Pacific Island states with 253 publications in the Scopus database, with health sciences being the dominant subject, accounting for 49% of the publications.
2019: Life Expectancy in Papua New Guinea
In 2019, life expectancy in Papua New Guinea was 63 years for men and 67 years for women.
2019: Strong Economic Growth
Papua New Guinea experienced a real GDP growth rate of 3.8% in 2019, attributed to strong commodity prices and a booming mining sector. The inflation rate was 4.3%.
September 2020: Minister Exposes Widespread Corruption Within Police Force
In September 2020, Police Minister Bryan Jared Kramer publicly exposed widespread corruption within the Royal PNG Constabulary on Facebook. His accusations, which drew international attention, included senior officers embezzling pension funds, engaging in organized crime, drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, fuel theft, insurance scams, and misusing police allowances.
2020: Papua New Guinea Population
By 2020, Papua New Guinea's population reached an estimated 8.95 million, composed of hundreds of indigenous ethnic groups.
2020: Bahá’í Faith Membership in Papua New Guinea
By 2020, the Bahá’í Faith in Papua New Guinea had grown to over 30,000 members.
2020: Papua New Guinea National Census Deferred
The National Census in Papua New Guinea was postponed during 2020/2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Papua New Guinea National Census Deferred
The National Census in Papua New Guinea was postponed during 2020/2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2022: James Marape Re-elected as Prime Minister in Criticized Election
In July 2022, despite criticism of inadequate preparation, abuses, and violence, James Marape's PANGU Party secured the most seats, leading to his re-election as Prime Minister. Two women were elected to Parliament, with Rufina Peter also becoming Provincial Governor of Central Province.
September 2022: Deadly Earthquake Rocks Papua New Guinea
On September 11, 2022, a significant earthquake struck Papua New Guinea, resulting in the deaths of seven people. The earthquake caused strong shaking in major cities like Lae and Madang and was felt in the capital, Port Moresby. The earthquake caused significant damage in several areas.
December 2022: UN Report on Papua New Guinea Population
In December 2022, a UN report utilizing satellite imagery and ground-truthing, conducted in collaboration with the University of Southampton, estimated Papua New Guinea's population to be around 17 million, a figure significantly higher than the official estimate.
December 2022: Population Estimate Update
In December 2022, it was reported that Papua New Guinea's population was closer to 17 million, significantly higher than previous government estimates.
2022: Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, King Charles III became the reigning monarch of Papua New Guinea.
2022: 10th Parliament Concludes with No Female Representation
The 10th Parliament of Papua New Guinea, which ran from 2017 to 2022, concluded without any female members throughout its term. This absence of women in Parliament placed Papua New Guinea among a handful of countries globally with such a low level of female representation in politics.
February 2024: Massacre in Enga Province Highlights Escalating Tribal Violence
In February 2024, a horrific massacre in Enga Province claimed the lives of 69 villagers. This incident, the deadliest since the Bougainville conflict of the 1980s and 1990s, underscores the escalating tribal violence fueled by the proliferation of firearms in the region.
2050: National Vision 2050
Papua New Guinea's National Vision 2050, adopted in 2009, emphasizes the importance of research, science, and technology for sustainable development.
