Papua New Guinea
Oro (Northern Province)
Oro (formerly Northern) is a lightly-populated area of mountains and plains on the mainland north coast. Well-drained, fertile soils of volcanic ash give the Popondetta-Ilimo-Kokoda region the largest area of prime agricultutral land on the mainland.

Resettlement schemes have attracted hundreds of families there to grow rubber, oil palm, cocoa, copra, or cattle. The 9600-ha Higaturu oil palm project  near Popondetta is the biggest. There has been social unrest between Oro people and the settlers in recent years. The Queen Alexandra birdwing butterfly, the biggest butterfly in the world, is found only in Oro. 

Managalas Plateau is situated in the Oro Province and lies protected by a circle of mountain ranges under the shadow of Mr. Laminton. A peaceful place of about 10,000 people in hundreds of clan goups, the Managalas is Oro's Brigadoon" - an oasis of 'time before' beyond' Port Moresby, nestled between the Owen Stanley, The Sibium and the Hydrographer Ranges.

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SUMMARY
Population: 96 318 citizens and 173 expatriates.
Land area: 22 800 square km.
Members in Parliament: 3.
Headquarters: Popondetta.

Districts; citizens; and major languages:
  • Afore; 10 348; Managalasi, Yareba, Bauwaki.
  • Kira; 2359; Guhu-samane.
  • Ioma; 7781; Binandere, Aeka.
  • Kokoda; 11 966; Hunjara, Barai, Aomie, Mt Koiari.
  • Popondetta; 53 510; Orokaiva, Notu, Ambasi.
  • Tufi; 10 354; Korafe, Arifamia-Miniafia, Maisin, Baruga.