PG

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a country in the Pacific that is home to 9,119,000 people. It is also home to 839 living indigenous languages. One of these, Tok Pisin, is an official language of the country. Papua New Guinea was also home to 12 indigenous languages that are now extinct. In addition, 1 non-indigenous language, English, is established within the country. It is also an official language. In formal education, 23 indigenous languages are used as languages of instruction.

  • Geography

    Clickable world globe showing country outlines
  • Demographics

    9,119,000

    people

    839

    living languages

    64%
    literate
  • Language Vitality Count

    1. 25
    2. 500
    3. 314
    4. 12

Papua New Guinea has adopted the following international conventions which speak to indigenous language rights.