Tucked away in the remote South Pacific is an autonomous region of islands known as Bougainville.
Nearly as large as Hawaii’s main island and blanketed in lush, mountainous terrain, the region is more than just a geographical gem: it is a land of immense mineral wealth, and a people with an indomitable will to be free.
For decades, Bougainville (which is currently still part of the nation of Papua New Guinea) was exploited by foreign corporations. The region’s environment was devastated, its rivers polluted, and its people marginalized.
But now, nearly 98% of the archipelago’s population of 300,000 are calling for independence. And everything suggests that this is en route to becoming a reality.
Bougainville has certainly had a remarkable journey. From colonial occupation and environmental destruction to cultural revival, armed resistance, and a bold vision for independence, click through this gallery to find out more about the world’s next country.
