This island was once ruled by Australia. Now, it could become the world's newest country
Bougainville, a tropical archipelago near Australia, is preparing for independence from Papua New Guinea next year, despite unresolved conflicts and memories of a bloody civil war. The region's independence referendum in 2019 saw over 97% vote in favor, but the result must be ratified by Papua New Guinea's parliament.
Bougainville, a tropical archipelago 1,500km from Australia, is preparing for nationhood. The region, rich in gold and copper, fought a brutal civil war from 1988-1998 over land, resources, and identity, resulting in up to 15,000 deaths. In 2019, over 97% of Bougainvilleans voted for independence, but the result must be ratified by Papua New Guinea's national parliament. Negotiations between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea are ongoing, with a parliamentary vote expected next month. Bougainville is preparing to unilaterally declare independence if the vote fails, with a deadline set for September 2027. The Autonomous Bougainville Government is working towards agreed timelines, and the region is already preparing infrastructure, including a new prison facility.
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