Apart from street gangs, another reason why PNG has come across as being a dangerous place to foreigners is that the country is still by nature pretty much a tribal society that is home to thousands of different tribes speaking as many as 800 different languages and dialects, and tribal wars have remained rampant

Why is Papua New Guinea so violent?

Crime throughout the country, particularly violence-related, has been influenced mainly by rapid social, political and economic changes. An increased rate of unemployment has resulted in poverty in rural areas, while a sequential shift towards urban areas has created cultural friction.

Why is Papua New Guinea not safe?

Risk of violent crime and sexual assault in PNG is high. Civil unrest and violent tribal clashes can occur. Avoid protests and demonstrations. Check security conditions and tensions before travelling to new areas, including during election periods.