What is the capital of Papua New Guinea?
Port Moresby lies on the shores of the Coral Sea, on the south-western coast of the Papuan Peninsula of the island of New Guinea.
Port Moresby is the capital and seat of government of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea itself has an estimated population of 10,762,817 (2025).
Port Moresby is also the largest city in Papua New Guinea, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Port Moresby at a glance
| City population | 756,754 (2024 census) |
|---|---|
| Country | 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea |
| Founded | 1885 |
| Largest city in Papua New Guinea | Port Moresby |
| Time zone | UTC+10:00 |
| Currency | Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) |
About Port Moresby
The harbour area, inhabited by the Motu-Koitabu people for centuries, was first seen by a Briton in 1873, when Royal Navy Captain John Moresby named it in honour of his father, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Fairfax Moresby; the settlement was established in 1885.
During World War II the city was a prime objective of Imperial Japanese forces in 1942 and 1943, as a staging point and air base that would have cut Australia off from Southeast Asia and the Americas.
Port Moresby is one of the largest cities in the south-western Pacific outside Australia and New Zealand.
The city is not part of the surrounding Central Province: it forms its own National Capital District.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Port Moresby.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Papua New Guinea?
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Papua New Guinea on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.