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Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea
Flag of Papua New Guinea Capital of Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby

Port Moresby, also known as Pom City, is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, situated on the shores of the Coral Sea on the southwestern coast of the Papuan Peninsula. As one of the largest cities in the southwestern Pacific outside Australia and New Zealand, it serves as a major hub for the region.

Photo: MSchlauch (Public domain)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
Language
English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin
Timezone
+10 (UTC+10)
Local time now
18:08:22

Hotels in Port Moresby

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Airports in Port Moresby

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Car Hire in Port Moresby

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Things to Do in Port Moresby

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Restaurants in Port Moresby

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Swimming Pools in Port Moresby

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Spas in Port Moresby

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Nightlife in Port Moresby

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Bars in Port Moresby

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Cafes in Port Moresby

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Shopping in Port Moresby

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Nature & Wildlife in Port Moresby

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Climate snapshot

Port Moresby experiences a tropical climate typical of its location on the Coral Sea. The city has warm weather year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons, characteristic of the southwestern Pacific region.

Interesting Facts About Port Moresby — Weird & Wonderful

  • Port Moresby emerged as a trade centre in the second half of the 19th century.
  • During World War II, the city was a prime objective for conquest by Imperial Japanese forces in 1942–1943 as a strategic staging point and air base.
  • Port Moresby is regarded as a primate city due to its outsized population and influence compared to other cities in Papua New Guinea.
  • The city is located on the shores of the Coral Sea, one of the southwestern Pacific's most significant marine regions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port Moresby

What is the currency used in Port Moresby?

The currency of Papua New Guinea is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK).

What language is spoken in Port Moresby?

English is the official language of Papua New Guinea and is widely spoken in Port Moresby, though Tok Pisin is also commonly used.

What timezone is Port Moresby in?

Port Moresby operates on Pacific/Port_Moresby timezone.

Why is Port Moresby historically significant?

Port Moresby was a major strategic location during World War II, serving as a prime objective for Japanese forces seeking to establish a staging point and air base in 1942–1943.

How important is Port Moresby to Papua New Guinea?

As the capital and largest city, Port Moresby is considered a primate city, exerting outsized influence and population dominance over other cities in the country.

Map of Port Moresby

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