Papua New Guinea is a country in Melanesia, Oceania. In 2025 it has about 10.8 million people (UN estimate), the 89th most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1975Population: 89th
Papua New Guineaパプア・ニューギニア
Region
Melanesia, Oceania
Population
about 10.8 million (89th)
Area
462,840 km² (53rd)
UN member since
October 10, 1975
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Papua New Guinea in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 10.8 million, the 89th most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/11 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 462,840 km², the 53rd largest of the 193. That is about the same as Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 23.
Joining the United Nations
Papua New Guinea joined the United Nations on October 10, 1975.
That was 19 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Think about it
Q1Compare Papua New Guinea’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Papua New Guinea on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Papua New Guinea, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 4 UN member states in Melanesia. The one with the most people is Papua New Guinea.