Papua New Guinea is a land of many contrasts—over 860 languages, many tribes, each one regarding itself as sovereign, consists of 1,000 people who speak more than one language or dialect. The country is rich in minerals, yet because of rugged terrains and some other factors it has to face many challenges.The book. Understanding Papua New Guinea, is a study of the country's land and people, traces its development from the Stone Age to the modern era which still co¬exist, its Constitution and legal system, administrative divisions, working of the parliamentary democracy, the judiciary. Ombudsman, educational avenues, colourful rituals, and traditional celebrations. The modern-day Papua New Guinea is a fusion of the traditional and modern culture. It includes events and happenings till the formation of Ninth Parliament and the coalition government headed by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill. The book explains this diversity with maps and photographs.