The island is huge (8,000 sq. km) and covers the western half of Papua New Guinea, the second largest island in the world. One fifth of the world’s languages are spoken here

The 2,000 km long central mountain range running the length of the island is the island’s most distinctive topographical feature.

Small permanent snowfields and relic glaciers grace the highest elevations (Puncak Jaya 4,884m)

Climate average is hot (27°C) and sultry (60-100% humidity) in the lowlands and can be cold (as low as 5°C) in the highlands