Papua New Guinea is one of the most diverse countries in the world - geographically, biologically, linguistically, and culturally. Its abundant natural resources have not led yet to economic prosperity for the majority of its people. PNGs relative level of poverty in relation to neighbouring countries is increasing and it now ranks 145th out of 177 countries on the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index.
Papua New Guinea has an estimated population of around 6.7 million (2010), 38.2% under the age of 15. Around 800 languages are spoken in the country, each language group having a distinct culture, and there are large sociocultural differences between and within provinces. The official languages are English, Pidgin and Motu. Access to widely scattered rural communities (87.5% of the country’s population is living in rural areas) is often difficult, slow and expensive. Only 3% of the roads are paved and many villages can only be reached on foot. Most travel between provinces is by air. The capital, Port Moresby, is not linked by road to the rest of the country.