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Papua New Guinean Scorecard

Country profile

Papua New Guinea is a diverse island nation in Oceania, home to hundreds of indigenous ethnic groups, lush rainforests, and rugged highlands that create a mosaic of cultures and languages. It has a population of 10.4 million, a population growth rate of 1.81%, and a median age of 22.34 years.

Its history includes ancient traditions that have survived for millennia alongside influences from European explorers and colonial administrators.

Today, Papua New Guinea is celebrated for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant tribal traditions, and efforts to balance development with the preservation of its unique natural and cultural heritage.

Its capital city is Port Moresby.

How does Papua New Guinea compare to other countries?

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Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in Papua New Guinea improved by 4.8% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in Papua New Guinea worsened by 3.0% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in Papua New Guinea improved by 73.9% from 2023 to 2024

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in Papua New Guinea improved by 1.3% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in Papua New Guinea improved by 3.0% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development in Papua New Guinea improved by 1.8% from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in Papua New Guinea worsened by 7.7% from 2020 to 2021

Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Papua New Guinea improved by 116.6% from 2018 to 2022

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception in Papua New Guinea worsened by 3.3% from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption in Papua New Guinea improved by 5.7% from 2022 to 2023

Government Effectiveness in Papua New Guinea improved by 1.0% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in Papua New Guinea improved by 27.3% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in Papua New Guinea improved by 12.3% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in Papua New Guinea improved by 123.8% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita showed no change from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Papua New Guinea worsened by 2.5% from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption in Papua New Guinea improved by 0.2% from 2021 to 2022