The province consists of a group of 18 islands, known as the Admiralty Islands and a scattering of low lying atolls, mostly uninhabited, with the northern border reaching to the equator.
Coconut growing and pearl fishing are the main industries on the Admiralty Islands, which are now part of the independent nation of Papua New Guinea.
Manus, the largest of the islands, is rugged and
heavily timbered with central hills rising to over 700 metres with many
sharp ridges and streams. As
it is a distant island group, Manus Island can
be reached by air or by coastal cargo ship.
During World War II, Manus was occupied by the Japanese and later by American and Australian armed forces, who spent millions of dollars constructing a huge base, airport and dock facilities at Seedler Harbour. During wartime up to 600 ships anchored in the harbour. To-day it is a peaceful place ringed by small islets and a magnificent reef. The rusting remains of the base can still be seen nearby.
For
enthusiastic scuba divers, this island group is hailed as having some of
the best diving in the world with water visibility up to 100 metres or
more. Giant
Orca whales swim off the Wuvulu Islands where the sea abounds in turtles,
dugongs and other marine mammals. As well, relics of sunken ships and
aeroplanes are scattered around the coastal beaches.
Manus Island has vast tracts of forests in the central range and the dancing by the locals is erotic and majestic, depicting a life of openness and joy.
SUMMARY
Land area: 2100 square km.
Headquarters: Lorengau
Members in Parliament: 2
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