Papua New Guinea - History

The first inhabitants of the island New Guinea were Papuan, Melanesian, and Negrito tribes.Who altogether spoke more than 700 distinct languages. The eastern half of New Guinea was first explored by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 16th century.

New Guinea and some of Papua was invaded by Japanese forces in 1942 and was famous for the Kokoda Trail battle where the Australian forces stopped the push by the Japanese on Port Moresby.
In 1975 Papua New Guinea achieved complete independence.

Michael Somare was elected as the inaugural Prime Minister.