Papua New Guinea History

PNG First Known Connection

Dec 10, 1498

The earliest known connection of Papua New Guinea to the world history is right after the Vasco da Gama’s epochal 1498 voyage to India.

PNG appear on Portuguese maps

Dec 10, 1520

In 1520, the name Papua began to appear on Portuguese maps.

Germany settlement

Dec 10, 1884

In 1884, the Germany began settlements in the north, and the south portion of the island became a British protectorate called British New Guinea.

Transferred to Australia

Dec 10, 1902

In 1902, British New Guinea was transferred to the newly established commonwealth of Australia and become territory of Papua.

World War I

Dec 10, 1914

In 1914, with the outbreak of world war I, The Australian naval and military force, in order to prevent the German naval forces operating in the Pacific, invaded and occupied the German New Guinea.

Japanese Invaded

Dec 10, 1941

Shortly after the start of Pacific war, Japanese invaded New Guinea in 1941 and Papua in 1942.

Independence

Sep 16, 1975

Papua New Guinea became self-governing on 1, December 1973 and achieved independence on 16 September 1975. The country soon joined the United Nations.