Western New Guinea facts for kids
Western New Guinea is the western part of the large island of New Guinea. Today, it is known as Papua Province and is part of Indonesia. It has had different names over time, including Netherlands New Guinea (until 1962), West Irian (1962-1973), and Irian Jaya (1973-2000). Some people, especially those living there, believe it should be an independent country and call it West Papua.
Indonesia took control of Papua in 1969 after an event called the Act of Free Choice. This event is still debated by many. In 2003, the Indonesian government planned to divide the province into three smaller parts: Papua Province, Central Irian Jaya, and West Irian Jaya. However, people living there did not agree with this plan. Because of this, the idea for Central Irian Jaya was stopped. The status of West Irian Jaya Province is still not fully clear. The independent country of Papua New Guinea (PNG) shares a border with Papua Province to the east.
Images for kids
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The lowland rainforest of Western New Guinea.
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The rugged and hilly land of Western New Guinea.
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The king bird-of-paradise is one of over 300 bird species found here.
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Seal of the Papuan People's Assembly, a special group of native Papuans.
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Before the 1970s, the Korowai people of Papua had little contact with the outside world.
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Fort Du Bus in 1828.
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Free West Papua protest in Melbourne, Australia, August 2012.
See also
In Spanish: Nueva Guinea Occidental para niños
