This Country Profile provides a basic overview of the legal history and institutional structures of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (Papuaniugini), based on research produced by the Library of Congress. Under Papua New Guinea's Constitution, Islamic law (sharīʿa or fiqh) has no legal status.
Country Background
Papua New Guinea is a group of islands in Oceania. It consists of the eastern half of the Island of New Guinea (the second largest island in the world), and is located between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean. The capital of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby. The official languages of Papua New Guinea are English, Tok Pisin, and Hiri Motu. In addition, there are over 800 indigenous languages spoken in Papua New Guinea, making it the most linguistically diverse country in the world. The country's population in 2017 was approximately 6.9 million. Papua New Guinea is a predominantly Christian country, with about 96% of the country's population Christian.
Constitution & Legal Structure
After declaring independence from Australia in 1949, Papua New Guinea was officially recognized as an independent nation in 1975. Papua New Guinea is referred to as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, in which sovereignty belongs to the people and the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The current Constitution of Papua New Guinea was adopted in 1975, and was amended most recently in 2014. The system of government is based on principles of separation and checks and balances and has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legal system of Papua New Guinea is a mixed legal system based on English common law and influenced by customary laws/traditions.
Constitutional Status of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no constitutional status in Papua New Guinea
Jurisdiction(s) of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no official jurisdiction of operation in Papua New Guinea.
Dominant School of Islamic Law
Papua New Guinea has no official school of Islamic law.
Sources of Law for Legal Research
Official Publications
Unofficial Databases
References:
For an extended list of legal resources for this country, see the Library of Congress’s Research Guide. The Constitution is available in the LOC Guide in its original language and at Constitute in English. For full versions of past constitutions, amendments, and related legislation, see HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated or Oxford Constitutions of the World [subscription required for each].