Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 72.2%
male: 81%
female: 62.7% (1995 est.)
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
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)
Constitution: 16 September 1975