Papua New Guineans have a richly diverse cultural heritage. With over 800 spoken languages throughout the country, architecture, cultures and traditions vary greatly between people of different areas and regions.

The majority of Papua New Guineans are Melanesian, and there are also many nationals and residents who have settled in PNG from other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, India, United Kingdom, United States and nearby Pacific nations.

Temperatures range as low as 14 degress celcius in the Highlands region to 36 degress celcius in northern coastal areas. Water temperature throughout the country remains between 26 and 31 degree celcius all year round. PNG is on West Pacific Standard Time (GMT + 10:00) and daylight saving does not apply.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 2008 to 2009

Queen's Birthday: Monday 9th June
Remembrance Day: Wednesday 23rd July
Independence Day: Tuesday 16th September
Christmas Day: Thursday 25th December
Boxing Day: Friday 26th December
New Year's Day: Thursday 1st January

MAJOR SPOKEN LANGUAGE: English, Pidgin English (Tok Pisin), Motu and Hiri Motu

RELIGION: Christianity is predominant. Local beliefs and traditions are practised in harmony with Christian beliefs.

TEMPERATURE: 22-32 Degrees Celcius

SEASONS: Typically, the dry season falls between May and October, followed by a wet season in the months of November through to April. This varies in other parts of the country.

CURRENCY NOTES: K100 (green), K50 (orange), K20 (red), K10 (blue), K5 (pink) and K2 (pale green). "K" is for Kina (Papua New Guinea Kina or short for PGK).

COINAGE: K1, 50t, 20t, 10t, 5t coins are all made of silver. 2t and 1t are made of copper and are being phased out. "t" is for Toea.

TAX: A 10% Goods and Services Tax (or Value Added Tax) is applied to all transactions in shops, hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs. In most cases you will find GST is included in the advertised price.

TIPPING: A monetary gift is considered a very high honour in local custom, therefore tipping is not expected nor is it common practice in PNG. It is entirely up to you.

TRADING HOURS: Standard commercial trading hours are between Mon-Fri from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some retailers are also open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

ROADS: Vehicles in PNG are right-hand drive and we drive on the left-hand side of the road. International licenses are accepted for three (3) months. Check with the Department of Transport (+675 327 7370) for more details.

Visitors information extracted from the Welcome Guide to Port Moresby, a visitors booklet published bi-monthly by the Pacific Islands Publishing, PO Box 7543, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea. Ph: +(675) 321 0000