Papua New Guinea became independent from Australia, which had administered the territory for decades. The north-eastern part of the island of New Guinea had been a German colony from 1884, while the south was British. Australia took over the German part during the First World War and later governed both parts together under United Nations oversight. During the Second World War the territory was a major battlefield, notably along the Kokoda Track. Michael Somare, who led the independence movement, became the first prime minister in September 1975. The country is one of the most culturally diverse in the world, with hundreds of distinct languages, and it faced early challenges such as a secessionist movement on the island of Bougainville.
Before and after
- 1975Invention of bc
- 1975Origins of Liiga
- 19751975 Australian constitutional crisis
- 1975Discovery of Comet West
- 1975Founding of Papua New Guinea
- 1975Establishment of Mana Pools
- from 1975 to 1988Rise of Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia
- 1975Founding of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
- 5 January 1975Birth of Bradley Cooper
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The era
This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.