Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A parliamentary democracy on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea: The Independent State of Papua New Guinea is a sovereign nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Its territory comprises the eastern section of the island of New Guinea, along with numerous offshore islands.
   • An independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations: The Independent State of Papua New Guinea achieved its sovereignty from Australia on September 16, 1975, and subsequently became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of mostly former territories of the British Empire.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Independent State of Papua New Guinea is known for its vast linguistic diversity, with over 800 languages spoken.
  • We studied the unique ecosystems of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea in our geography class.
  • After gaining independence, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea established its own parliamentary government.

Advanced Usage

• The full official name, the , is often used in formal diplomatic, legal, and academic contexts to distinguish the sovereign nation from the broader geographical region of the island of New Guinea.
  • The treaty was signed between the Republic of Indonesia and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

Variants and Related Words

• Papua New Guinea (PNG): This is the common short form and the conventional name used for the country in most non-formal contexts.
  • Port Moresby is the capital of Papua New Guinea.

Synonyms

• Papua New Guinea: The standard abbreviated name for the country.
• PNG: A common initialism.

Noun

1. a parliamentary democracy on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea; in 1975 it became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations