Territory of New Guinea

Territory of New Guinea was a United Nations Trust Territory under Australian administration from 1949 until 1975, when it merged with Papua to form Papua New Guinea. The territory was previously known as German New Guinea and was occupied by Australia during World War I. After the war, it was mandated to Australia by the League of Nations. The territory was administered by the Australian Government through the Department of External Territories, with the High Commissioner of Australia to Papua New Guinea serving as the representative of the Australian Government.

Geography

The Territory of New Guinea was located on the island of New Guinea, which is the second-largest island in the world after Greenland. The territory shared a border with Papua, which was also an Australian territory, to the west. The territory's geography was characterized by dense rainforest, rugged mountain ranges, and river systems, including the Sepik River and the Ramu River. The territory's highest point was Puncak Jaya, which is the highest peak in Oceania and one of the Seven Summits. The territory was also home to the Torricelli Mountains and the Bismarck Range. The Island of New Guinea is also home to the D'Entrecasteaux Islands, the Trobriand Islands, and the Louisiana Archipelago.

History

The Territory of New Guinea has a long and complex history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Pleistocene era. The territory was first colonized by Germany in the late 19th century, and was known as German New Guinea. During World War I, the territory was occupied by Australia, and after the war, it was mandated to Australia by the League of Nations. The territory was administered by the Australian Government until 1942, when it was occupied by Japan during World War II. The territory was the site of several key battles during the war, including the Battle of Buna-Gona and the Battle of Lae. After the war, the territory was returned to Australia, and was administered as a United Nations Trust Territory. The territory was also home to the Anglo-German New Guinea Company, the New Guinea Company, and the German New Guinea Company.

Administration

The Territory of New Guinea was administered by the Australian Government through the Department of External Territories. The High Commissioner of Australia to Papua New Guinea served as the representative of the Australian Government in the territory. The territory was divided into several districts, including the Madang District, the Morobe District, and the Eastern Highlands District. The territory was also home to the Territorial Assembly of Papua and New Guinea, which was established in 1964. The Australian Government also established the Papua and New Guinea Act 1949, which provided for the administration of the territory. The territory was also subject to the United Nations Charter and the Trusteeship Council.

Economy

The economy of the Territory of New Guinea was primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including coffee, cocoa, and copra. The territory was also rich in natural resources, including gold, copper, and oil. The territory was home to several major mining companies, including the Bougainville Copper and the Ok Tedi Mining companies. The territory was also home to the Papua New Guinea Banking Corporation and the Bank of Papua New Guinea. The territory's economy was also supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Trade and Industry and the Australian Trade Commission.

Demographics

The population of the Territory of New Guinea was diverse, with over 700 languages spoken in the territory. The majority of the population was Papuan, with smaller groups of Melanesian and Polynesian people. The territory was also home to a small number of European and Asian people, including Australian and Chinese settlers. The territory's population was primarily rural, with many people living in small villages and mission stations. The territory was also home to several major Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church, the Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Church of Australia. The territory's population was also subject to the Papua and New Guinea Act 1949, which provided for the welfare and advancement of the indigenous people. The territory was also home to the University of Papua New Guinea and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology.

Category:Former countries in Oceania