• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Papua New Guinea

Behavior

The people of Papua New Guinea have a very unique culture that differs greatly from most other countries, including many of those around it. Because of this the behavior of the people may differ vastly from what you are used to as the family life, work life, and social life in the country are in stark contrast to that of nearby Australia, North America, or Europe.

As a visitor to Papua New Guinea be observant of the locals and be aware that expected behaviors differ between men and women. Many men in Papua New Guinea spend a lot of time socializing with friends and going out, both married and single men; male visitors are expected to be social and join in conversations with locals as dress and behavior have few restrictions. On the other hand women in the country are more modest as actions and behaviors are restricted, but dress is lacking. Foreign women should be sure to act more modestly than men and many behaviors may be considered reserved for men so watch how the locals act and imitate. However, women should remain in the company of friends in order to avoid unwanted male companionship.

Dress

Historically the people of Papua New Guinea wore very little, but the styles and clothing they did wear varied from group to group. Additionally, the people had numerous traditional dresses for different events and this is still common in some places today. Face painting, tattooing, and masks are all important during these ceremonial events in the past and today.

Outside the few people that partake in traditional dress on a daily basis, most people in Papua New Guinea wear western-styled clothing on a regular basis. The particular clothing of these individuals varies from simply shorts or skirts and t-shirts to more formalwear for business or other social events. The cities tend to be more formal as many villagers rely more heavily on second-hand clothing or only wear simple aprons. No matter the clothes or clothing the people tend to put thought into their outfit each day and many people take pride in their appearance.

As a visitor to Papua New Guinea you are welcome to wear nearly anything, although nudity is generally not accepted anywhere, including on beaches. Wearing shorts or t-shirts is common, but don't wear anything that shows too much skin or is too revealing below the waist. In business situations the dress is similar to that of most of the world, but the level of formality varies based on the company.

This page was last updated: November, 2013