Port Moresby

Capital and port of Papua New Guinea, on the south coast of New Guinea; population (2000 est) 254,200. The port trades in coffee, copper, gold, copra, palm oil, and timber; sawmilling, plywood production, brewing, and tobacco manufacture are the leading industries. There is an airport; the town is the country's centre for national broadcasting and for overseas telecommunications. The University of Papua New Guinea was founded in the town in 1965.

The port was named after John Moresby, a British naval officer and explorer who was the first European to visit the fine natural harbour. The successful defence of Port Moresby by the allies against Japanese attacks during World War II was significant in helping to prevent the invasion of northern Australia.