Papua New Guinea - Location and Climate A volcanic island geographically isolated by impenetrable lowland jungle and choppy waters, Papua New Guinea lies a mere 5 degrees south of the Equator. Astonishingly, PNG is also one of the oldest locations of human habitation in the world. Hunter-gatherers have existed here for 40,000 years. The land is divided - to the north and south lie thick rainforest, and through the center runs an east-west chain of mountains with a cooler, drier ecosystem. PNG is plagued by tropical disease - hosting one of the most virulent strains of malaria. Back | Next