Photo: eGuide Travel · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Papua New Guinea places highest on Water Stress (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five (bottom 1%).
Papua New Guinea in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
10,389,635
people
since 1950
Land area
452,860
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
4,456
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
66.13
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.576
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
2.571
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Papua New Guinea
Key facts about Papua New Guinea
- Capital
- Port Moresby
- Official languages
- English, Hiri Motu, Papua New Guinean Sign Language +1 more
- Currency
- kina (PGK)
- ISO code
- PNG · PG
- Domain · dialling
- .pg · +675
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Papua New Guinea’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
5thof 181
From 2 of 3 key statistics
81stof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
93rdof 175
From 3 of 4 key statistics
110thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
111thof 193
From 2 of 3 key statistics
joint90thof 147
From 2 of 3 key statistics
122ndof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
142ndof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
139thof 183
From 3 of 4 key statistics
150thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
147thof 176
From 3 of 4 key statistics
164thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
171stof 200
From 2 of 4 key statistics
joint161stof 171
From 3 of 4 key statistics
190thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
No standing — Papua New Guinea holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Papua New Guinea’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Papua New Guinea in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Papua New Guinea stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Papua New Guinea sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Papua New Guinea does best5
In the top third of all countries measured. 4 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 3rd
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 181 · 78,505 · 2022
world median 2,528 (better)
- 5th
Rank 145th of 149 · 1 = worst · 34.09 · 2023
world median 100.66 (better)
- 8thINFORM Severity Indextop 6%
Position · derived 74th of 81 · 1 = worst · 1.7 · 2025
world median 3.1 (better) · ▲ 33 pts since 2022
- Youth Unemployment Ratetop 8%
Position · derived 167th of 182 · 1 = worst · 3.785 · 2025
world median 12.83 (better) · ▲ 2 pts since 2015
Where Papua New Guinea struggles most7
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 6 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 3rdICT Services Exportsbottom 2%
Position · derived 116th of 118 · 0.215 · 2024
world median 7.474 (worse) · ▼ 42 pts since 2014
- 3rd
Position · derived 3rd of 162 · 1 = worst · 49.45 · 2024
world median 13.8 (worse)
- 4thGovernment Spending on Educationbottom 2%
Position · derived 120th of 123 · 0.782 · 2023
world median 3.709 (worse)
- 6thDebt Service on External Debtbottom 5%
Position · derived 6th of 109 · 1 = worst · 43.34 · 2024
world median 12.93 (worse) · ▼ 30 pts since 2014
- 7thEconomic Complexity Indexbottom 4%
Rank 139th of 145 · -2.137 · 2024
world median 0.131 (worse) · ▲ 2 pts since 2014
- 8thDietary Energy Supplybottom 5%
Position · derived 148th of 155 · 2,162 · 2024
world median 2,982 (worse)
- Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 2%
Not ranked by the publisher · 13.4 · 2025
world median 98.4 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Papua New Guinea can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
118th
of 141 · 1990
160th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
149th
of 173 · 2012
142nd
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
112th
of 125 · 2000
156th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 24 of 34 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
139th
of 140 · 1995
139th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
116th
of 160 · 2021
135th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 5 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Papua New Guinea has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)+44 pts since 2014
- Military Dimension Index+29 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Papua New Guinea has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Deaths in Organized Violence-42 pts since 2015
05In context
Papua New Guinea and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Melanesia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
- 62
Fiji - 106
Vanuatu - =129
Solomon Islands - =138
Papua New Guinea - —
New Caledonianot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Papua New Guinea
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions27
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 19%0.42CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 19% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Papua New Guinea 0.42 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -34 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings93rd of 198position · derived53.51Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 47% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Papua New Guinea 53.51 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)181st of 192rank0.223ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
bottom 6% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Papua New Guinea 0.223 · world median 0.387 (worse)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 2%13.4Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
bottom 2% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Papua New Guinea 13.4 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption160th of 211position · derived-0.779Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 24% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Papua New Guinea -0.779 · world median -0.197 (worse)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index142nd of 181rank26CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
bottom 21% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Papua New Guinea 26 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment62nd of 78position · derived2.85IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
bottom 21% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Papua New Guinea 2.85 · world median 3.246 (worse)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt6th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst43.34Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
bottom 5% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Papua New Guinea 43.34 · world median 12.93 (worse)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▼ -30 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)59th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst41.89External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
top 47% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Papua New Guinea 41.89 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▲ +44 percentile points since 2014
Government AI Readiness Index135th of 195rank27.98AI readiness score (0–100)2025
bottom 31% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Papua New Guinea 27.98 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2021
Government Effectiveness162nd of 209position · derived-0.71Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
bottom 23% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Papua New Guinea -0.71 · world median 0.101 (worse)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Government Spending on Education120th of 123position · derived0.782Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
bottom 2% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Papua New Guinea 0.782 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
No real change since 2015
GovTech Maturity Index113th of 196position · derived0.548GTMI score (0–1)2025
bottom 43% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.548 · world median 0.63 (worse)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
No real change since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index39th of 175position · derived0.863Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 22% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.863 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index80th of 176position · derived0.384Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 45% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.384 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory151st of 168rank36ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 10% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Papua New Guinea 36 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index58th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.684Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
bottom 33% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Papua New Guinea 0.684 · world median 0.518 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment125th of 135position · derived3.069Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
bottom 7% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Papua New Guinea 3.069 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill123rd of 168position · derived5.536Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 27% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Papua New Guinea 5.536 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality147th of 209position · derived-0.614Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 30% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Papua New Guinea -0.614 · world median -0.093 (worse)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law142nd of 211position · derived-0.573Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 33% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Papua New Guinea -0.573 · world median -0.102 (worse)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
No real change since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators172nd of 188position · derived43.63SPI overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 9% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Papua New Guinea 43.63 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2016
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index94th of 176position · derived0.467Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 47% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.467 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability117th of 206position · derived-0.236Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 43% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Papua New Guinea -0.236 · world median -0.022 (worse)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
No real change since 2015
Women, Business and the Law159th of 190position · derived60WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 16% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Papua New Guinea 60 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation14
Crop Production Index134th of 195position · derived99.03Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 31% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Papua New Guinea 99.03 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports103rd of 170position · derived18.27Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 40% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Papua New Guinea 18.27 · world median 25.42 (worse)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index139th of 145rank-2.137ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
bottom 4% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Papua New Guinea -2.137 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit111th of 179position · derived28.21Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
bottom 38% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Papua New Guinea 28.21 · world median 35.95 (worse)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index136th of 195position · derived100.55Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 30% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Papua New Guinea 100.55 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 1%-3.616FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 1% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Papua New Guinea -3.616 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth37th of 186position · derived5.638GDP growth (annual %)2025
top 19% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Papua New Guinea 5.638 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)152nd of 185position · derived4,456GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 18% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Papua New Guinea 4,456 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
ICT Services Exports116th of 118position · derived0.215ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 2% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
Papua New Guinea 0.215 · world median 7.474 (worse)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2014
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index87th of 175rank50.37LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
bottom 49% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Papua New Guinea 50.37 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Production Index96th of 194position · derived107.71Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 49% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Papua New Guinea 107.71 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index79th of 139rank2.7LPI score (1–5)2023
bottom 41% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Papua New Guinea 2.7 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2014
Researchers per Million Inhabitants130th of 145position · derived33.16Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
bottom 10% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
Papua New Guinea 33.16 · world median 701.95 (worse)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)13th of 180position · derived27.39Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 6% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Papua New Guinea 27.39 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2011
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked72nd of 182position · derived40.84Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Papua New Guinea 40.84 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture41st of 182position · derived36.86Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
top 22% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Papua New Guinea 36.86 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry171st of 182position · derived7.871Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Papua New Guinea 7.871 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services104th of 182position · derived55.27Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
bottom 43% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Papua New Guinea 55.27 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio136th of 182position · derived50.73Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
bottom 25% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Papua New Guinea 50.73 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate114th of 182position · derived50.82Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Papua New Guinea 50.82 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
No real change since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager62nd of 179position · derived21.95Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 34% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Papua New Guinea 21.95 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed138th of 168position · derived13,139GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
bottom 18% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Papua New Guinea 13,139 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate150th of 182position · derived52.07Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 18% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Papua New Guinea 52.07 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked149th of 182position · derived6.13Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
bottom 18% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Papua New Guinea 6.13 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate17th of 182position · derived78.67Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
top 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Papua New Guinea 78.67 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate158th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.571Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 13% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Papua New Guinea 2.571 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Vulnerable Employment25th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst71.16Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 13% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Papua New Guinea 71.16 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Working Poverty Ratebottom 19%37.18Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
bottom 19% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Papua New Guinea 37.18 · world median 4.885 (worse)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
No real change since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate167th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.785Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 8% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Papua New Guinea 3.785 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge10
Academic Freedom Index37th of 176position · derived0.849Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.849 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate114th of 172position · derived87Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 34% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Papua New Guinea 87 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling145th of 195position · derived11.51Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 26% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Papua New Guinea 11.51 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researchersbottom 37%33.25Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
bottom 37% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
Papua New Guinea 33.25 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores143rd of 172position · derived363.32Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
bottom 17% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Papua New Guinea 363.32 · world median 414.32 (worse)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Learning-Adjusted Years of School128th of 172position · derived5.999Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
bottom 26% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Papua New Guinea 5.999 · world median 7.941 (worse)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2017
Mean Years of Schooling169th of 193position · derived4.963Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
bottom 13% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Papua New Guinea 4.963 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Primary Completion Rate145th of 165position · derived65.98Primary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 12% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Papua New Guinea 65.98 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate150th of 164position · derived14.24Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 9% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Papua New Guinea 14.24 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 28%91.9215–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 28% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Papua New Guinea 91.92 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing16
Dietary Energy Supply148th of 155position · derived2,162Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 5% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Papua New Guinea 2,162 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
No real change since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months23rd of 136position · derived59.68Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
top 16% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Papua New Guinea 59.68 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index156th of 172rank0.584GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 9% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Papua New Guinea 0.584 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index20th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.263MPI (0–1)2025
bottom 18% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.263 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2020
Global Violent Deaths45th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst13.69Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
bottom 21% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Papua New Guinea 13.69 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index132nd of 172position · derived0.429HCI score (0–1)2020
bottom 23% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.429 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2017
Human Development Index160th of 193rank0.576HDI score (0–1)2023
bottom 17% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.576 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate44th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst31.28Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 22% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Papua New Guinea 31.28 · world median 12.26 (worse)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
INFORM Severity Index74th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst1.7INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
top 6% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Papua New Guinea 1.7 · world median 3.1 (better)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2022
Life Expectancy at Age 65212th of 222position · derived12.82Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
bottom 5% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Papua New Guinea 12.82 · world median 16.39 (worse)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth188th of 222position · derived66.13Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
bottom 15% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Papua New Guinea 66.13 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio40th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst188.65Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
bottom 20% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Papua New Guinea 188.65 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare115th of 178position · derived0.98Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
bottom 35% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Papua New Guinea 0.98 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
No real change since 2014
Prevalence of Undernourishment11th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst28.7Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 6% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Papua New Guinea 28.7 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five3rd of 162position · derived · 1 = worst49.45Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
bottom 1% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Papua New Guinea 49.45 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate39th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst39.38Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 19% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Papua New Guinea 39.38 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Development & Human Capital8
Access to Electricitybottom 6%43.3Population with electricity access (%)2024
bottom 6% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Papua New Guinea 43.3 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Cereal Yield48th of 179position · derived4,787Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 26% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Papua New Guinea 4,787 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage42nd of 143position · derived · 1 = worst27.3Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 29% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Papua New Guinea 27.3 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality55th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst26.51Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
bottom 32% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Papua New Guinea 26.51 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2016
Gender Development Index143rd of 184position · derived0.926Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 22% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Papua New Guinea 0.926 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index129th of 169position · derived0.423IHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 24% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.423 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2016
Net Official Development Assistance Received68th of 130position · derived2.422Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
bottom 48% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Papua New Guinea 2.422 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI121st of 156position · derived0.566PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 23% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.566 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability21
Agricultural Emissions59th of 193position · derived25,163Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 29% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Papua New Guinea 25,163 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Land201st of 209position · derived3.103Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 4% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Papua New Guinea 3.103 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person158th of 206position · derived0.032Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 23% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Papua New Guinea 0.032 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity82nd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst516.07Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
bottom 42% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Papua New Guinea 516.07 · world median 468.81 (worse)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)164th of 190rank0.549ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
bottom 13% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Papua New Guinea 0.549 · world median 0.45 (worse)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita163rd of 210position · derived · 1 = worst0.789Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 22% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Papua New Guinea 0.789 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 38%3.198Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 38% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Papua New Guinea 3.198 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare70th of 188position · derived123.66Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 36% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Papua New Guinea 123.66 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area9th of 210position · derived78.95Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 4% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Papua New Guinea 78.95 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster53rd of 160position · derived · 1 = worst31,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 33% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Papua New Guinea 31,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
No real change since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production154th of 179position · derived3,910Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 15% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Papua New Guinea 3,910 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Density118th of 188position · derived0.38Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 36% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Papua New Guinea 0.38 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation120th of 190position · derived23.68Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 38% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Papua New Guinea 23.68 · world median 35.66 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index176th of 190rank33.66ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
bottom 7% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Papua New Guinea 33.66 · world median 47.44 (worse)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area64th of 150position · derived1.39Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 41% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Papua New Guinea 1.39 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita5th of 181position · derived78,505Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 2% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Papua New Guinea 78,505 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation113th of 190position · derived23.68Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 42% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Papua New Guinea 23.68 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress175th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst0.13Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
top 1% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Papua New Guinea 0.13 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector169th of 171position · derived0.255Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 2% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Papua New Guinea 0.255 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationbottom 13%0.211Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 13% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Papua New Guinea 0.211 · world median 5.769 (worse)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index12th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst26.51WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 6% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Papua New Guinea 26.51 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Sex Ratio at Birthtop 5%107.7Male births per 100 female births2023
top 5% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Papua New Guinea 107.7 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Women's Political Empowerment Index154th of 176position · derived0.48Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
bottom 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.48 · world median 0.772 (worse)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index106th of 176position · derived0.248Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 40% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.248 · world median 0.339 (worse)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index102nd of 176position · derived0.248Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 42% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.248 · world median 0.321 (worse)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index47th of 176position · derived0.839Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 27% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.839 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media65th of 176position · derived1.024Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 37% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Papua New Guinea 1.024 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns111th of 176position · derived0.303Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
bottom 37% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Papua New Guinea 0.303 · world median 1.023 (worse)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Papua New Guinea 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index93rd of 176position · derived0.28Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 47% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.28 · world median 0.298 (worse)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index92nd of 176position · derived0.782Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
bottom 48% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Papua New Guinea 0.782 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Peace & Security6
Deaths in Organized Violence44th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst31Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
bottom 22% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Papua New Guinea 31 · world median 0 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2015
Global Militarisation Index145th of 149rank · 1 = worst34.09GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 3% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Papua New Guinea 34.09 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Risk Index23rd of 191position · derived · 1 = worst6.3INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 12% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Papua New Guinea 6.3 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence162nd of 211position · derived-0.546Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 23% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Papua New Guinea -0.546 · world median 0.171 (worse)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
No real change since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors69th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-0.328Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
bottom 40% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Papua New Guinea -0.328 · world median -0.661 (worse)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 46%644Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 46% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Papua New Guinea 644 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 46%3,121Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 46% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Papua New Guinea 3,121 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 45%7,727Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 45% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Papua New Guinea 7,727 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade3
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs22nd of 174position · derived · 1 = worst12.56Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 12% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Papua New Guinea 12.56 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 15%95.2Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 15% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Papua New Guinea 95.2 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2012
Net Migration Ratetop 48%-0.076Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Papua New Guinea -0.076 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▼ -27 percentile points since 2013
Poverty & Inequality1
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linestop 21%39.9Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
top 21% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Papua New Guinea 39.9 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Money & Public Finance1
Short-Term Share of External Debttop 14%0.942Short-term debt (% of total external debt)2024
top 14% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Short-term debt (% of total external debt)
Papua New Guinea 0.942 · world median 9.376 (better)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2014
Energy5
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 44%0Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 44% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Papua New Guinea 0 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationbottom 41%0Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 41% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
Papua New Guinea 0 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitabottom 23%10.56Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
bottom 23% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Papua New Guinea 10.56 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scorebottom 29%25.49Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 29% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Papua New Guinea 25.49 · world median 48.23 (worse)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
No real change since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scorebottom 33%24.59Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 33% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Papua New Guinea 24.59 · world median 33.26 (worse)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratetop 24%24.58Births per 1,000 population2023
top 24% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Papua New Guinea 24.58 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 35%6.516Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 35% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Papua New Guinea 6.516 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationbottom 26%22.34Median age (years)2023
bottom 26% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Papua New Guinea 22.34 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 17%3.348Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 17% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Papua New Guinea 3.348 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitybottom 16%22.94People per square kilometre of land2023
bottom 16% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Papua New Guinea 22.94 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratetop 27%1.798Population growth (% per year)2023
top 27% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Papua New Guinea 1.798 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15top 25%33.8Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
top 25% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Papua New Guinea 33.8 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 9%106.08Males per 100 females2023
top 9% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Papua New Guinea 106.08 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiotop 35%59.12People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
top 35% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Papua New Guinea 59.12 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratetop 24%3.099Live births per woman2023
top 24% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Papua New Guinea 3.099 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Papua New Guinea. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2004
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2023
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2018
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Container Port Traffic · last seen 2022
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Ecological Footprint
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2004
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2022
- Gender Social Norms Index
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2004
- Gini Index · last seen 2009
- Global Innovation Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2021
- Government Funding per Primary Student
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2004
- Gross Savings (% of GDP) · last seen 2004
- Household Consumption · last seen 2004
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2023
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2004
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2009
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2009
- Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Informal Employment Rate
- Learning Poverty
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2009
- Mobile Phone Ownership
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2021
- Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · last seen 1999
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2009
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2009
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2009
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2009
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2023
- Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity · last seen 2019
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2009
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2016
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 1995
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Smartphone Ownership
- Social Institutions and Gender Index
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2009
- Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products · last seen 2021
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 1999
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2004
- Trade Union Density
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- Violent Discipline of Children
- World Energy Trilemma Index
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2022
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Papua New Guinea can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 33 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Papua New Guinea on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Papua New Guinea: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/papua-new-guinea