New Guinea is the world's second-largest island, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is divided into two main parts: the western half, known as Papua, is part of Indonesia, while the eastern half is the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. The island is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mountains, and coral reefs. The island is home to hundreds of indigenous cultures and languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the world. Its rich biodiversity includes unique wildlife, such as the Bird of Paradise and various species of marsupials.