How People Make a Living in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea's workforce is heavily resource-based:

Agriculture (80%+ of employment)

Subsistence farming dominates; cash crops include coffee, cocoa, copra, palm oil, rubber, tea, and timber.

Mining

Major sector—copper, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt—led by foreign firms.

Forestry

Timber, plywood, wood products; also foreign-dominated.

Tourism (growing)

Attractions: Sepik River, Highlands, Milne Bay.

Other Sectors

Fishing (local food), small manufacturing (food, clothing), construction (booming).

Unemployment Challenge

Official rate >20%; likely higher. Youth and women disproportionately affected. Government invests in education and training to address it.