Papua New Guinea: official statistics and sources
12 official bodies for Papua New Guinea, from National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea to National Procurement Commission, with key figures from the World Bank and IMF. Official languages: English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu. Capital: Port Moresby.
Who holds power in Papua New Guinea
- Head of state: King Charles III (King)
- Representative of the head of state: Sir Bob Dadae (Governor-General of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea)
- Head of government: James Marape (Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea)
- Foreign minister: Justin W. Tkatchenko (Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea)
Source: UN Protocol and Liaison Service list, dated 15 October 2026. All world leaders.
Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy with provincial governments. How local power works in Papua New Guinea: 4 tiers of government below the nation, who is elected and who they answer to.
Part of level 6 of the 10 levels of power.
Government, regions and cities
- Government and power in Papua New Guinea: leaders, governance scores, women in parliament, spending and the bodies that hold power to account
- All 22 provinces: Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Madang, National Capital District, East Sepik…
- Port Moresby (capital)
Key figures
What the figures show
The World Bank puts Papua New Guinea's population at 10.8 million in 2025, up from 8.7 million in 2015. It ranks 13th of 30 in the World Bank's East Asia and Pacific region and 91st of 193 worldwide.
GDP for 2025 was $32.5 billion at current dollar prices, according to the World Bank. Divided by population it comes to $3,020, where the middle country in the region has $6,547.
Output rose 5.6% after inflation in 2025 (World Bank). The IMF's October 2026 outlook projects 3.1% for 2026.
For 2025 as a whole the World Bank records 4.4%. IMF projections put 2026 at 4.8%.
Unemployment stood at 2.6% in 2025 on the ILO's modelled estimate, which can differ from the national survey.
Government debt was 51.6% of GDP in 2025, the IMF estimates, heading to 46.8% in 2026. The regional median is 45.0%.
A baby born in 2024 could expect to live 66.3 years.
- Annual inflation since 2015: highest 6.7% (2016), lowest 0.6% (2024).
- Debt ratio 2015: 29.9%; 2025: 51.6%.
- GDP per person in dollars, 2015 to 2025: +22%.
Figures checked 2026-10-13; how they are compiled.
Official sources in Papua New Guinea
Statistics office prices, jobs, people, output
- National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea
PNG's census, consumer price index, demographic and health survey and national accounts.
Central bank interest rates and money
- Bank of Papua New Guinea
Monetary policy statements, quarterly economic bulletins, exchange rates and banking supervision.
Parliament debates, votes, bills
- National Parliament of Papua New Guinea
Hansard, bills, acts and members of the National Parliament.
Government
- Department of the Prime Minister and National Executive Council
Cabinet decisions, government policy documents and statements.
Courts judgments
- Papua New Guinea Judiciary (Supreme and National Courts)
Court lists, judgments and practice directions of the Supreme Court and National Court.
Public audit how public money was spent
- Auditor-General's Office
Audit reports on national government departments, provinces and statutory bodies.
Regulators
- Independent Consumer and Competition Commission
Competition and consumer protection decisions, price regulation and merger authorisations.
- National Information and Communications Technology Authority
ICT licensing, spectrum management, consultations and regulatory decisions.
- Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea
Capital market regulation, licensed market participants and enforcement notices.
Ombudsman
- Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea
Investigation reports, Leadership Code matters and annual reports.
Public registers companies, land, charities
- Investment Promotion Authority Registry Services
The registers of companies, business names and incorporated associations, with an online company search.
Public contracts government tenders and awards
- National Procurement Commission
Public tender notices, contract awards, procurement rules and the supplier registry for PNG government contracts.
Freedom of information in Papua New Guinea
No general access-to-information law for Papua New Guinea was found in the official sources checked on 2026-10-13. No freedom of information act could be found; section 51 of the Constitution states a right to freedom of information subject to an Act of Parliament, which has not been enacted.
What Papua New Guinea does not have
- The Department of Lands and Physical Planning site (dlpp.gov.pg) returned an access-denied page on 2026-10-13 and is not listed.
- No freedom of information law or information commissioner.
- Incorporated associations are registered by the Investment Promotion Authority; there is no separate charity register.
- No public register of lobbyists; leaders' declarations under the Leadership Code are lodged with the Ombudsman Commission (already listed) and are not published.
Also: World Bank country data · IMF country page · UN Sustainable Development Goals country profile · IPU Parline parliament profile.
Papua New Guinea by subject
- Economy GDP, growth, trade and investment
- Jobs and pay unemployment, jobs and work
- Cost of living inflation, poverty and inequality
- Public finances debt, deficit, tax and spending
- Health and care life expectancy, doctors and spending
- Housing homes, cities, water and power
- Crime and justice murder rate, courts and crime
- Immigration migrants, refugees and remittances
- Education schools, universities and literacy
- Environment emissions, air, forests and water
Power in Papua New Guinea, from local government up to the G20
The global bodies above national governments, and the levels of power inside Papua New Guinea. How the ten levels work.
Level 3: Local councils
- Local government in Papua New Guinea how councils, regions and municipalities work
Level 5: Devolved and state governments
- Regions of Papua New Guinea 22 regions, states or provinces
Level 6: National government
- Papua New Guinea: national government this page
- Government and power in Papua New Guinea who leads, the parliament and the courts
- World leaders every country's head of state and government
Level 10: G7, G20, Davos and global forums
Common questions
What is the population of Papua New Guinea?
10.8 million (2025, World Bank). National figures: National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea.
What is the inflation rate in Papua New Guinea?
4.4% (2025, World Bank). Official index: National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea.
What is Papua New Guinea's GDP?
$32.5 billion (2025, World Bank).
How much government debt does Papua New Guinea have?
51.6% of GDP (2025, International Monetary Fund).
Who publishes official statistics in Papua New Guinea?
National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea: https://www.nso.gov.pg/
What is the central bank of Papua New Guinea?
Bank of Papua New Guinea: https://www.bankpng.gov.pg/
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