Papua New Guinea

State · 1946–2026 CE · at its largest around 1976 CE

The eastern half of the island of New Guinea and nearby islands, formerly administered by Australia, which became independent in 1975. It is among the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

On its lands while it lasted

• Independence of Papua New Guinea (1975 CE): Papua New Guinea became independent from Australian administration on 16 September 1975.
• Bougainville Civil War (1988–1998 CE): Conflict in Papua New Guinea sparked by opposition to the Panguna copper mine, which killed thousands; Bougainville voted overwhelmingly for independence in 2019.
• Mabo decision (1992 CE): High Court ruling on 3 June 1992, in a case brought by Eddie Mabo of Mer Island, that recognised native title and rejected the doctrine of terra nullius.

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