What is Papua known for?
West Papua is well known for its Raja Ampat Islands, which is said by some diving operators to contain the richest marine biodiversity in the world. West Papua has a medium Human Development Index, which is the second lowest among Indonesia’s 34 provinces.
Is Papua a part of Indonesia?
Papua, formerly Irian Jaya, is the largest and easternmost province of Indonesia, comprising most of Western New Guinea. The province is located on the island of New Guinea.
Is Papua Indonesia safe?
We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Papua and West Papua provinces. The security situation remains unpredictable and there is a risk of kidnapping. Political tensions associated with anti-government groups and local rivalries can lead to violent clashes.
What religion is West Papuans?
Faith has been a central feature of West Papuan resistance to Indonesian colonialism. Missionised in the late nineteenth century, the indigenous peoples of West Papua are now overwhelmingly Christian and their faith is a key marker of their identity and social practices.
Who are the closest Neighbours to Papua?
Foreign relations exist between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is Australia’s closest neighbour (roughly 3.75 km separates the two countries at Saibai Island) and a former colony of Australia. Both nations share the same continent.
Who colonized Papua?
Papua and New Guinea used to be separate entities, influenced and colonized over 250 years by the Sultanate of Tidore, Holland, Germany, Britain and Japan. In 1885 Germany annexed the northern coast ‘New Guinea’ and Britain annexed the southern regions ‘Papua’.
What race is West Papua?
The indigenous people of West Papua are of the same ethnic origin as those in the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and are also related ethnically and culturally to other Melanesian peoples of the Pacific.