PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Geography: Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of the rugged tropical island of New Guinea (which it shares with the Indonesian territory of Irian Jaya) as well as numerous smaller islands and atolls in the Pacific. Some of these islands are volcanic, with dramatic mountain ranges, and all are relatively undeveloped.

Climate: Is tropical, December to March is the wet season. Rain falls year-round.

Languages: Tok Pisin is spoken in most of the country. Hiri Motu is spoken in Port Moresby and other parts of Papua, though since Port Moresby is the capital, you're likely to find Tok Pisin speakers in the airport, banks, or government.

Currency: Kina.