Autonomous Region of Bougainville facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Flag
Motto: Peace, Unity, Prosperity
Anthem: My Bougainville
6°0′S 155°0′E / 6.000°S 155.000°E / -6.000; 155.000
Capital and largest city	Buka 6.3754° S, 155.3807° E
Official languages	English, Tok Pisin
Other languages	Tok Pisin North Bougainville languages South Bougainville languages
Demonym(s)	Bougainvillean
Government	Autonomous Region
• President	John Momis
• Vice-President	Raymond Masono
Legislature	House of Representatives
Establishment
• Autonomy	25 June 2002
• Voted independence	7 December 2019
Area
• Total	9,384 km2 (3,623 sq mi)
Population
• 2011 estimate	249,358
HDI (2018)	0.580 medium
Currency	Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
Time zone	UTC+11 (Bougainville Standard Time)
Driving side	left
Calling code	+675

Bougainville ( boh-GHƏN-vil ), also known as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, is a special region in Papua New Guinea. It has its own government and makes many of its own rules.

The largest island in this region is Bougainville Island. It also includes Buka Island and many smaller islands. The main city and temporary capital is Buka. In 2011, about 250,000 people lived there.

In 2019, people in Bougainville voted on whether to become a fully independent country. Most people, 98.31%, voted for independence. This means they want to be separate from Papua New Guinea.

What is Bougainville?

Bougainville is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the country of Papua New Guinea. The region is named after a French explorer. His name was Louis Antoine de Bougainville.

Where is Bougainville Located?

Bougainville is in the Melanesia region. This is a group of islands in the Pacific. It is east of the main island of Papua New Guinea. The islands are close to the Solomon Islands.

The Land and Nature

Bougainville has beautiful natural areas. It has tall mountains and thick rainforests. There are also many rivers and coastal areas. The land is very green and fertile.

• Mountains: The highest point is Mount Balbi. It is an active volcano.
• Rivers: Many rivers flow from the mountains to the sea.
• Coastline: The islands have lovely beaches and coral reefs.

The climate is tropical. This means it is warm and humid all year. There is a lot of rain, especially during the wet season. This helps the plants grow well.

People and Culture

The people of Bougainville are called Bougainvilleans. They have a rich and diverse culture. There are many different language groups.

Languages Spoken

The official languages are English and Tok Pisin. Tok Pisin is a common language used across Papua New Guinea. People also speak many local languages. These languages are divided into two main groups:

• North Bougainville languages
• South Bougainville languages

Traditional Customs

Bougainvilleans have strong traditions. They often wear special clothes for ceremonies. Music and dance are important parts of their culture. They also have unique art forms.

• Upe: Some men wear a special headdress called an upe. This headdress shows they are becoming adults. It has become a symbol for Bougainville.

How Bougainville is Governed

Bougainville is an autonomous region. This means it has its own government. But it is still connected to Papua New Guinea.

The Government Structure

The government is called the Autonomous Bougainville Government. It has a president and a parliament.

• President: The leader of the region is the President.
• House of Representatives: This is where laws are made. It is like a parliament.

Bougainville gained its autonomy on June 25, 2002. This was an important step. It gave the people more control over their own affairs.

The Independence Vote

In December 2019, a special vote was held. This vote was about Bougainville's future. People had to choose between two options:

• Staying autonomous within Papua New Guinea.
• Becoming a fully independent country.

Most people voted for independence. This result is a big step towards Bougainville becoming its own nation. The final decision will be made later.

Images for kids

• 

  Replica of a traditional stake-house built by men from Toboroi, Bougainville Island

• 

  Australian soldiers hoisting the Union Jack at Kieta, Bougainville, following their capture of German New Guinea in 1914

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  American B-25 Mitchell bombers from the 42nd Bombardment Group over the Selay Peninsula of Bougainville, 1944

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  HMAS Wewak unloading an Australian Army truck during Operation Bel Isi

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  White Island, Bougainville

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  Market at Buin, 1978

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  Men from Soraken wearing upe, a headdress representing the transition to adulthood which later became a national symbol of Bougainville

See also

In Spanish: Región autónoma de Bougainville para niños