At 462,840 km2 (178,704 sq mi), Papua New Guinea is the world's fifty-fourth largest country. Including all its islands, it lies between latitudes 0° and 12°S, and longitudes 140° and 160°E.
The politics of Papua New Guinea takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic multi-party system, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government. Papua New Guinea is an independent Commonwealth realm, with a governor-general, nominated by the National Parliament, acting as head of state. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament.
Port Moresby, the capital of PNG lies on Fairfax Harbour and is home to the country’s Parliament and National Museum and Art Gallery. The Museum has historical records dating back about 50,000 years and has exhibits of all kinds of arts and crafts from all over the country. Lae is Papua New Guinea’s second most important city and attracts many visitors to its excellent botanical gardens.