Languages: English spoken by 1%-2%, pidgin English widespread, Motu spoken in Papua region note: 715 indigenous languages
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population : 72.2% male: 81% female: 62.7% (1995 est.)
@Papua New Guinea:Government
Country name: conventional long form : Independent State of Papua New Guinea conventional short form: Papua New Guinea abbreviation: PNG
Data code: PP
Government type: parliamentary democracy
National capital: Port Moresby
Administrative divisions: 20 provinces; Bougainville, Central, Chimbu,
Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang,
Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern,
Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New
Britain
Independence: 16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975)